U.S. Senate votes on health care reform bill Nov 22, 2009
Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) speaks before the U.S. Senate voted to begin debate on legislation for a broad healthcare overhaul on Capitol Hill, in Washington, November 21, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo). (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama health drive clears key Senate hurdle Nov 22, 2009
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THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE: $300 MILLION FOR MY VOTE! Nov 22, 2009
Dana Milbank - Sweeteners for the South. Sweeteners for the South. (The Drudge Report)
1st Senate vote looms on health legislation Nov 22, 2009
A third centrist, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, announced Friday that he'd be supporting his party on the test vote, while cautioning that it didn't mean he'd be with them on the final vote. "It is not for or against the new Senate health care bill," Nelson said. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
Nelson to Vote for Cloture Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson will vote to begin debate on the Senate health care bill, Nelson announced in a statement Friday. In my first reading, I support parts of the bill and oppose others I will work to fix, Nelson said. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Conservative Democrats May Make or Break Obamacare Nov 21, 2009
And in the process clear the way for one of three moderate Democratic fence-sitters _ Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas are the others _ to help propel the legislation past its initial hurdle in a crucial Saturday vote. Nelson, Landrieu and Lincoln emerged several days ago as the last public holdouts among 58 Democrats and two independents whose votes Majority Leader Harry Reid and the White House must have to overcome the Republicans' attempt to strangle the bill before... (Newsmax)
Health Care 'Public Option' Would Cover Little of Population Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, say its non-profit status would give it an unfair advantage. "A government plan is eventually going to crowd out the private insurance companies' plans," said Sen. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Senate Democratic leaders close in on health care vote Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson, who was among three Democratic holdouts, announced that he would back an all-important procedural vote set for today that would allow the chamber to take up the bill unveiled this week by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Democratic leaders also expect Sens. (AZCentral -- News)
Senate Dems push towards crucial test vote Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, announced he'd vote with his party's leaders on Saturday's must-pass procedural measure. READERS' POLL. (USA Today)
AP: Senate Dems Moving Ahead on Crucial Health Vote Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Nelson and Landrieu have made comments suggesting they'd allow debate to begin, focusing the spotlight on Lincoln, who's facing a difficult re-election next year. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Healthcare bill faces first U.S. Senate test Nov 21, 2009
A third wavering Democrat, Ben Nelson, announced on Friday he would support moving to debate. The healthcare overhaul, President Barack Obama's top domestic priority, would expand coverage to millions of uninsured and bar insurance practices like denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Latest health news » Nov 21, 2009
The White House is on a collision course with Catholic bishops in an intractable dispute over abortion that could blow up the fragile political coalition behind President Barack Obama's health care overhaul. A top Obama administration official is praising the new Senate health bill's attempt to find a compromise on abortion coverage even as an official of the U.. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Moderate Dems Key In Upcoming Health Vote Nov 21, 2009
Live Cameras, Conditions. Senate Expected To Vote On Health Bill Saturday. (Click2Houston, TX)
Dems woo fence-sitters as first vote approaches Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, announced he'd vote with his party's leaders on today's must-pass procedural measure allowing debate to go forward. Nelson said it didn't necessarily mean he'd back the final bill but did mean Nebraskans wanted changes to the health care system. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Durbin changes tune on Sen. Lincoln Nov 21, 2009
Durbin changes tune on Sen. Lincoln - The Hill's Blog Briefing Room. (TheHill.com)
Health Care's 'Public Option' Would Cover Little of Population Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, say its non-profit status would give it an unfair advantage. "A government plan is eventually going to crowd out the private insurance companies' plans," said Sen. (ABC News)
Health care rhetoric heats up Nov 21, 2009
" If Republicans stay unified in opposition to the bill, will need the support of all 58 Senate Democrats along with independent Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Joe Lieberman of Connecticut to reach the 60 votes necessary to overcome a filibuster. Video: Analysts eye Senate health care bill Video: Reid touts bill as money saver RELATED TOPICS Two key moderates -- Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska -- have refused to indicate publicly... (CNN)
What to expect in Saturday health care vote Nov 21, 2009
But Democratic leaders have some moderates to contend with: Ben Nelson of Nebraska, of Arkansas and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana. Earlier Wednesday, Reid met with the three moderates, who have expressed concerns about the cost and scope of reform proposals outlined in a bill that came out Wednesday. (CNN -- Health)
Senate Dems prepare for key health vote Nov 21, 2009
And in the process it could clear the way for one of three moderate Democratic fence-sitters Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas are the others to help propel the legislation past its initial hurdle in a crucial Saturday vote. Nelson, Landrieu and Lincoln emerged several days ago as the last public holdouts among 58 Democrats and two independents whose votes Majority Leader Harry Reid and the White House must have to overcome the Republicans' attempt to strangle the... (MSNBC -- Politics)
Healthcare Big First Vote Saturday Nov 21, 2009
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid s (D-Nev. 2,074-page is a lot like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi s 2,032 page health care bill, without the Stupak amendment banning the federal funding of abortion. (Human Events Online)
Senate Dems Moving With Test Health Vote Nov 21, 2009
By Friday, Nov. 20, 2009. Senate majority leader Harry Reid, center, accompanied by, from left, White House health-care czar Nancy Ann DeParle, Senator Max Baucus and Senator Christopher Dodd Harry Hamburg / AP. (Time.com)
Catholic Church pushes,and some push back Nov 21, 2009
Democratic Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Republican Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi both said they hadn t heard from clergy back home. They don t have to, Nelson said, since they know how he will vote. (Boston Globe)
Senate Democrats move on crucial health vote Nov 21, 2009
Senators Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana have been question marks in recent days ... One of three uncommitted centrists, Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska, announced yesterday he would vote with his party s leaders on the must-pass procedural measure allowing debate to go forward. (Boston Globe)
Senate Democrats eye key US health care victory Nov 21, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. We are working hard to bring all Democrats together for the 60 votes necessary to proceed to this historic debate," Senator Dick Durbin, the party's Senate vote counter, told reporters. Democrats were increasingly confident they would win a procedural vote a day later on what would be the most sweeping overhaul of its kind in four decades, extending health care coverage to an estimated 31 million Americans at a price tag of about US 848 billion through... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Senate Nears First Healthcare Vote Nov 21, 2009
Three Democratic senators -- Ben Nelson, Blanche Lincoln and Mary Landrieu -- are uncommitted on Saturday's vote, although Nelson and Landrieu said they were encouraged by Reid's approach. Nelson played down the vote's significance. (Newsmax)
Democrats Press Health Bill's Holdouts Nov 21, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana - are expected to support the procedural vote required to start debate on the bill that Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada introduced this week. The holdouts, all moderates, want a chance to review the 2,074-page bill as debate is scheduled to begin Friday and the first votes are planned for Saturday night. (Newsmax)
Bayh to support first procedural vote on healthcare Nov 20, 2009
Ben Nelson (D) issued a statement rejecting a Republican argument that procedural votes and substantial votes are identical, suggesting that he too would support early procedural votes. Bayh also said was "encouraged" by the figures presented late Wednesday, which called for deficit reduction of $127 billion over the first 10 years and $650 billion over the second decade. (TheHill.com)
Health Care Battle Begins in Senate Nov 20, 2009
And Ben Nelson is smack dab in the middle of it. from Staff Reports. (Nebraska Statepaper)
Senate girds for Saturday vote, long battle on health care Nov 20, 2009
His Nebraska colleague, Democrat Ben Nelson, also an abortion foe, disagreed. "It's not," he said. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Abortion interjected into health debate Nov 20, 2009
Leaders were targeting three moderate Senate Democrats who have not yet committed to moving the bill: Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln, Nebraska's Ben Nelson and Louisiana's Mary Landrieu. If the bill does reach the floor, it will be subject to amendments. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Senate's Majority Leader Unveils $849B Health Care Bill Nov 20, 2009
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid unveiled an $849 billion health care bill Wednesday that advanced President Obama's broad vision to revamp the health insurance market but left key moderate Democrats uncommitted. Introduction of the bill - which Reid said represented "the last leg of this journey we've been on for a long time" - cleared the way for a vote this week on whether to start debate on health care as Senate leaders race to finish a bill by year's end. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Senate Health-Care Bill Estimated to Cost $849 B Nov 20, 2009
Friday November 20, 2009 5:34 AM ET. Try SmartMoney Select Risk Free. (SmartMoney)
Reid: Finish line on health care is finally in sight' Nov 19, 2009
Sixty votes are needed to begin debate on the measure, and Senate leaders said they're confident they will get the votes to proceed after talking with three wavering moderates, Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln, Louisiana's Mary Landrieu and Nebraska's Ben Nelson. Nelson said while he remained undecided, the possible Saturday vote shouldn't be seen as a judgment on the bill's substance. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
CBO puts Senate health bill cost at $849 billion Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderate Democrats who have expressed concerns about the measure. Nelson later issued a statement strongly suggesting he would vote with fellow Democrats on an initial showdown expected within days. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Senate health bill sets up historic debate Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderate Democrats who have expressed concerns about the measure. With the support of two independents, Democrats have 60 seats, the precise number needed to choke off any delaying tactics by the 40 Republicans who appear united in opposition to the bill in its current form. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Reid's Strip Tease Nov 19, 2009
Harry Reid's healthreform strip tease. - By Timothy Noah - Slate Magazine. (Slate)
Reid rushes to get votes for health care bill Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Nelson and Landrieu appeared to be warming to Reid's strategy, Democratic aides said, provided certain concerns are addressed. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
'Pink Slip' for Congress Nov 19, 2009
But Americans need to know if whether it's Blanche Lincoln or Evan Bayh, Ben Nelson, if they vote to proceed, they are voting for this bill. VAN SUSTEREN: I have a big button that says the game is played up here. (Fox News)
Senate girds for historic debate on health bill Nov 19, 2009
Democrats hold 58 seats in the Senate and two independents generally vote with them, but several moderate Democrats -- Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas -- have yet to commit to allowing debate to begin. Reid met privately with the three before releasing his bill Wednesday, and Nelson later issued a statement strongly suggesting he would support fellow Democrats on the procedural vote. (Albany Times Union)
Senate Dems unveil their version of health reform Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, suggested in a statement that he would support Reid's effort. "It is motion to start debate on a bill and to try to improve it," Nelson said of the upcoming vote. (AZCentral -- News)
Reid's Healthcare Plan Totals $849 Billion Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, moderates within his party who have expressed reservations about the bill. "He is walking through the particulars with them," said Reid's spokesman, Jim Manley. (Newsmax)
Senate health bill woos moderates Nov 19, 2009
Even after a second briefing last night, Senator Ben Nelson, Democrat of Nebraska, one of the three senators Reid met with yesterday, told reporters he wanted to look at the details more closely before he decided whether he could commit to opening debate. I m not trying to cajole myself into it or out of it, said Nelson, who is considered one of three pivotal votes. (Boston Globe)
Who is financing your senator? Nov 19, 2009
Ben Nelson, Nebraska; Orrin Hatch, Utah; Max Baucus, Montana, as well as Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, Wyoming. Information on who has contributed and how much is informative and hopefully will lead to positive changes. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Republicans Oppose Breast Cancer Screening Limits Nov 19, 2009
There are reportedly four Democrat senators who actually want to be able to read the bill and see the CBO cost analysis before voting to proceed: Ben Nelson (D-Neb. Mary Landrieu (D-La. (Human Events Online)
Reid Optimistic on Senate Health Bill Nov 19, 2009
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18, 2009. Washington Post: Senate Majority Leader Will Unveil Bill Soon. (CBS News -- US)
Gregg: Senate Democrats will pass healthcare Nov 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009. By Tony Romm - 11/17/09 09:28 AM ET. (TheHill.com)
Waiting game for Senate health bill Nov 18, 2009
Other Democrats from more conservative states, such as Arkansas' Blanche Lincoln and Nebraska's Ben Nelson, have refused to say whether they'll back a vote starting debate until they have a chance to read the CBO-scored bill. Democratic leaders will need the support of all 58 Senate Democrats, along with independent Sens. (CNN)
Centrist caught in middle in health debate Nov 18, 2009
Centrist in health debate hears it from all sides. As Senate vote nears, both GOP and liberals put pressure on Ark. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Blanche Lincoln Feels Heat on Health Care Nov 18, 2009
WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2009. Washington Post: Moderate Democratic Senator from Arkansas Is Being Pressured from All Sides Ahead of Health Care Debate. (CBS News -- US)
Can Dems Resolve Their Abortion Split? Nov 17, 2009
Senate moderates like Ben Nelson and Kent Conrad have stopped short of demanding the exact Stupak language, but have warned that weak abortion restrictions could force them to vote no on health reform. Abortion-rights advocates, who are still stunned by the last-minute deal that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made to allow a vote on Stupak's controversial measure, claim the provision will greatly limit the availability of abortions, especially for low-income women. (Time.com)
20 comments Nov 17, 2009
Presidential Dithering, Dawdling and Defeat - HUMAN EVENTS. Presidential Dithering, Dawdling and Defeat by 11/16/2009. (Human Events Online)
Health Care Progress Report: November 16 Nov 17, 2009
Abortion, Cost Issues, Keep Controversy Alive Over Health Care Bill. By Stephanie Condon (CBS) Congress is pressing up against its Christmas deadline for passing health care legislation, and yet the Democrats' health care plans remain as controversial and tenuous as ever. (CBS News -- Politics)
Presidential Dithering, Dawdling and Defeat Nov 16, 2009
While our indecisive Commander-in-Chief dithers about a troop surge in Afghanistan, Lawmakers are dawdling on funding the federal government. Congress didn t finish the nation s spending bills on time, yet Members of Congress are racing to establish government-run health care and (supposedly) combat non-existent global warming. (Human Events Online)
Reid Fixated on Health Timing Nov 16, 2009
Though a few moderate Democratic Senators such as Ben Nelson (Neb. Mary Landrieu (La. (Roll Call)
The Myth of the Moderate Democrat Nov 14, 2009
Lieberman, Bayh, Lincoln, Ben Nelson, Conrad, Dorgan, Tester, Baucus, Johnson and Hagan have a serious decision to make. They have no place to hide. (Human Events Online)
South Lee County Mailbag Nov 14, 2009
Your browsers security settings are preventing some features from appearing. As we all know, having a good neighbor can be a blessing. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Nelson May Join GOP Filibuster Nov 13, 2009
Ben Nelson leaned a little closer in the last 48 hours to joining a Republican filibuster to block the Senate health care bill. Nelson, who opposes an opt out public health care option, told on Tuesday night: "Faced with a decision about whether or not to move a bill that is bad, I won't vote to move it. For sure.". (Nebraska Statepaper)
Democrat Nelson Threatens To Block Obamacare Nov 13, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, criticizing the House bills robust public option, said it simply is too costly at $1. 1 trillion over the next 10 years. (Newsmax)
Calling the filibuster bluff Nov 13, 2009
Right now, it s Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Ben Nelson of Nebraska. Both are considering joining Republicans in a filibuster if they don t get their way on health reform. (Boston Globe)
The Senate's Big Cloture Vote Nov 13, 2009
There are even three Democrats who are poised to just say no just because of the breadth and depth of the disaster contained in the fine print of Obamacare: Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and Ben Nelson of Nebraska. Perhaps there are others. (Townhall.com)
Can the Dems Keep Putting Up with Joe Lieberman? Nov 13, 2009
Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas, Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, for example, all have strong reservations about a government-run alternative to private insurers. But Lieberman is the only one who has stated flat-out that he would join a GOP filibuster of the bill to prevent it from getting an up-or-down vote. (Time.com)
Q&A: Abortion Issue And Health Care Bill Nov 13, 2009
WASHINGTON A ban on abortion coverage in the health care legislation passed by the House of Representatives is being interpreted in different ways by each side of the abortion debate. Abortion foes such as the National Right to Life Committee call it a reasonable extension of a long-standing ban on government-funded abortions. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
AP Sources: Reid eyes payroll tax hike on wealthy Nov 12, 2009
Bill Clinton urges Senate passage of health bill - National Politics - Fresnobee. Place an obit: (559) 441-6228. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Kondracke: Will Reid Decide on Reconciliation to Get Health Care Bill? Nov 12, 2009
Will Reid Decide on Reconciliation to Get Health Care Bill. Will Reid Decide on Reconciliation to Get Health Care Bill. (Roll Call)
Bill Clinton Weighs In On Health Care Bill Nov 12, 2009
Ben Nelson of Nebraska, said they won't support a health care bill that does not restrict insurance coverage of abortions. Senators who met with Clinton said he urged them to focus on the overall goal: expanding health coverage. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
