Lieberman: Using Reconciliation For Health Care A "Real Mistake"

Senator Joseph Lieberman, (I-Conn.) said on Sunday that he thinks it would be a "real mistake" if Democrats used the parliamentary maneuver known as reconciliation to get health care reform considered by an up-or-down vote.

The Connecticut independent, who caucuses with the Democrats, told CNN's "State of the Union" that reconciliation would damage the congressional system and make it harder for the Obama White House to tackle other legislative priorities. As an alternative, Lieberman suggested that Democrats consider those aspects of health care reform that Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee have said they agree with, and save the rest for a later date.

"I think it's a real mistake to try to jam through the total health insurance reform, health care reform plan that the public is either opposed to or of very, very passionate mixed minds about," Lieberman said. "It's not good for the system. Frankly, it won't be good for the Obama presidency. Because he's got other fights to fight."

"People on the Finance Committee, which I think remains our great hope now, these six people, three Democrats, three Republicans working together, that's the hope to get things done. They've said to me that they agree on about 3/4 of what needs to be done," he added. "Let's do the 3/4 and save the other quarter for a day when the economy is growing and maybe we've done something to turn down the deficit."

The comments from Lieberman, who after campaigning Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) during the 2008 election still earned Obama's blessing to continue caucusing as a Democrat, will likely irk progressives. Democratic leadership has continually hinted that they will use reconciliation if Republican lawmakers prove unwilling to compromise. Lieberman also remains opposed to a public plan for insurance coverage, a sacrosanct provision for many Democrats and the preference of the White House.

While Lieberman was urging the president and Democrats to tackle health care in a piecemeal approach, his co-panelist, Sen. Richard Lugar (R-Ind.) was suggesting that the whole package be pushed to the back burner.

"I would advise the president that bringing up the health care situation in the midst of recession... was a mistake," said the Indiana Republican, who is one of Obama's closest GOP allies in Congress. "And therefore he ought to postpone the decision... You can always go back and forth -- should he have had a plan as opposed to throwing it up for grabs for the Congress? Or should he have done this or that? -- [It's] too late for that. For the moment, let's clear the deck and try it again next year or in subsequent times."

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Comments

[Prodigal Daughter]

Oh, whatever Joe Lieberman. We know which side you're on.

[GYRainforest]

do not know how many democrats or liberals considered this, but many of the job opportunities that will be available if this bill passes, will be in the IT sector. In addition many more medical doctors will be needed. Most of the jobs will go to Asian affiliated companies and groups; the end result? ... most of the billions of dollars borrowed by the US, will exit the US, and will be used to boost the economies of other countries. Think America!

Bearing this fact in mind, I think both Senators Lugar and Lieberman are correct on this issue. The massive increase to the national debt, is enough cause for delay of this bill. Detailed discussion, and thorough examination of all the proposals for health care reform should be carefully examined, even if this examination takes as long as two years,much consideration should be given to this entire process. Health care is not about the success and the re-election, of President Barack Obama, nor is it about his failure. It is about the good of the American people; their physical and financial health in the long run.

Tort reform should be given great priority along with the other proposals.

I

[vancedecker]

The mistake is Lieberman.

[dcrinaz]

Everyone, please tell Sen. Lieberman what you think directly by clicking here: http://lieberman.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm?regarding=issue

This will take you to his e-mail for making comments directly to him. It's easy, it's your duty to keep these politicians in line. I do it, please do it too!

[dayton52]

It doesn't matter to anyone who has affordable health care whether or not any one else has it. So it's not an emergency to Joe or Dick. They are jokes. They and their cronies have never stood up for or cared about the people. I think the majority of Americans know this and want the government to run health care.

[JacklynD]

Joe Joe Joe - Are you really impartial? Perhaps you should recuse yourself from the debate.

Number of insurance carrier headquarters in CT ? - 72
􀂊 17 Life insurance
􀂊 11 Accident and health insurance
􀂊 5 Hospital and medical service plans
􀂊 26 Fire, marine, and casualty insurance
􀂊 5 Surety insurance
􀂊 8 Reinsurance

CT has triple the U.S. average of insurance carrier jobs

Prepared by:
Connecticut Economic Resource Center, Inc.
December 2006

[LCLA]

Excellent point, JacklynD.
Unfortunately, unlike judges, legislators (and the executive branch) have no obligation to recuse themselves for conflicts of interests. If that was the case, our government would never get anything done. Still, it behooves us to remember to whom Joseph Lieberman owes his fealty. His orders come from Hartford!

[pmc617]

It's a whole new concept of political power - let 3 members of the minority party tell us what they will approve and then give them just what they want and nothing more. Joe is a slime bucket of the first magnitude, kissing as much GOP ass as he can while maintaining a seat in the democratic caucus.

[amaboss52]

word

[janiceh]

"Let them eat cake."

That worked really well for Marie too.

[PocketWatch]

Yup The White House will take Joe's advice. You bet! Just how megalomaniacal are some of these guys?

[Kassandra]

Why IS anyone paying ANY attention to this loser? He shouldn't even be in there. The Republicans sup[ported his run against the Democratic nominee, Ned Lamont, the real winner.
Who CARES what Liebermannn thinks?

[lisa010]

Unfortunately, he gets to vote on this, soooooooooooooooo everyone should call his office to let him know that his comments are unacceptable, especially since he has health care because of US.

[lisa010]

Health Insurance Reform IS part of fixing the ECONOMY!!!!!!

He doesn't seem to understand this and that's down right scary!!

[Shayrae]

Oh he understands alright. LIEberman and his GOP thugs want HCR to fail because its passage would almost assure President Obama's reelection in 2012. His secondary reason is that the insurance companies in Conneticut own him. He should be thrown out of the Democratic caucuses. Traitor.

[lily31]

Let the uninsured wait until the recession is over.......... using the reconciliation route is "not good for the system".... blah, blah, blah.

I have two questions for your Sen Lieberman:
1. Are you and your cohorts willing to wait for the continuation of your health care benefits {paid for by us) until the recession is over?

2. Whose "system" is it not good for? I haven't seen a consistent congressional system used in either house for a long, long time........... unless you count the system that rewards the insiders and dismisses the needs of the outsiders (except for the lobbyists ~ they are the consummate insiders)

BTW, I can't help it but every time I see you smiling face, I am reminded of Kermit the Frog. Have apologized to dear Kermit ...... he's so human; has such a big heart!

[michaela75662]

Lieberman = Garbage In - Garbage Out

[dxz]

Even Lieberman knows that this is his last term in the senate. Connecticut Democrats will not be fooled again. After being defeated by Lamont in the primaries, he modified his message to fool enough Connecticut Democrats to vote for him. Their votes along with the Republicans vote was enough to give him victory. The music being played by the Democrats is "We can see clearly now the rain is gone...and we can see all obstacles in our way" AND 'Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, the shame is mine..'

[imworking4me]

Joey, it's time for beddie bye! When you wake up, ther'll be a brand new Halloween costume by your bed, so you can pretend that you're a senator again. Good night!

[TylerRose]

March for PUBLIC OPTION on September 13, 2009 in Washington D.C..
If you cannot go to Washington D.C., click on events to sign up to attend an event in your state. I signed up for the event in Austin, TX on that date from 12:00P.M. to 3:00PM.

http://www.marchforhealthcare.com/