With Pelosicare DOA, Can Reid Rescue Obamacare in Senate? Nov 12, 2009
Kent Conrad (D.-N.D.) calling Pelosi s recipe for funding healthcare reform a Ponzi scheme of the first order. Fees and premiums start getting collected in 2011, yet the program doesn t pay out benefits until 2016. (Human Events Online)
Dodd Bill Would Cut Federal Reserve Powers Nov 11, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., arrive for a meeting on Capitol Hill Sept. 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh). (CBS News -- Politics)
Congress to miss health care deadline, key senator says Nov 11, 2009
Kent Conrad of North Dakota. "He is able to penetrate through the fog of policy and politics better than any person I've heard.". (CNN -- US)
What's Next for Healthcare In the Senate? Nov 10, 2009
What's Next for Healthcare In the Senate. What's Next for Healthcare In the Senate. (Human Events Online)
Walking through the past Nov 6, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., created the trails in an effort to boost tourism in North Dakota and recognize the states role in Lewis and Clarks exploration to open the American West. The city of Williston received about 570,000 in federal funding for this year's work that ultimately cost about 593,000. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Newsweek: Why a health care 'trigger' won't work Nov 5, 2009
That appeared to ease the concerns of small-state senators such as Kent Conrad of North Dakota, whose rural hospitals feel strangled by national Medicare reimbursement levels. But it means that the consumer option will likely be more expensive than private insurance--new proof that the critics who say it's aimed at driving private insurers out of business are simply mistaken. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Election results chill moderate Democrats in Congress Nov 5, 2009
They know we're on an unsustainable fiscal course," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.Many of these concerns are hardly new to conservative and moderate Democrats; Tuesday's election results simply underscored their importance as they weigh their votes on pending bills.Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., said, "I've always had pause" about health care overhauls and ramped-up government spending. Like most centrists, he represents an area where hard-to-predict independents often determine an election's... (Anchorage Daily News)
Voters send a message on the economy Nov 5, 2009
It s tough to be an incumbent when there s an economic downturn like this, said Senator Kent Conrad, a moderate Democrat from North Dakota. While the ruling party tends to be punished at the polls in an economic downturn, Republicans, too, have troubles heading into next year. (Boston Globe)
Democratic Deficit Duplicity Nov 4, 2009
Kent Conrad, piled on Bush, saying: "The fact that some are trumpeting this year's deficit number as good news shows just how far we've fallen. Our budget picture is extremely serious by any measure." This, by the way, is the same Sen. Conrad who, after threatening not to support President Obama's pseudo-stimulus package, did support it enthusiastically, without, it should be noted, talking about "just how far we've fallen.". (Human Events Online)
Democrats study ways to lower federal deficit Nov 1, 2009
It is imperative that we act, said Senator Kent Conrad, the North Dakota Democrat who is chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and supports the amendment, though he did not sign the letter. The default position now is to take care of things by not paying for them. (Boston Globe)
Lincoln First Woman to Head Senate Ag Committee (2) Nov 1, 2009
Lincoln ended up first in line for the Senate Ag leadership post because other more senior senatorsMax Baucus, Kent Conrad and Patrick Leahyalready serve as chairmen of other committees. Lincoln has downplayed the notion that her new role will make her more politically powerful as she runs for re-election next year. (Agri-View, WI)
Democrats Struggle to Find Unity on Health Plan Oct 30, 2009
"We are a long way from reaching conclusion," said Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D.. Special: Your Tiny Thyroid Linked to 59 Mystery Diseases. (Newsmax)
Democrats Worth Hearing Oct 29, 2009
Kent Conrad, North Dakota Democrat, called the push for the public option "a wasted effort" because the votes aren't there. Sen. (Townhall.com)
10/28/2009, 9:14am Tough habit to break Oct 29, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D are recommending creating a commission that would force Congress and the president to tighten their belts and control spending. Theyre recommending a 16-member commission that would come up with a bipartisan plan to keep the country from drowning in debt. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Click to read:Moderate Dems Balk at Senate Health Bill Oct 28, 2009
Moderate Dems Balk at Senate Health Bill - CBS News. WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2009. (CBS News)
Contentious Senate Hearings Begin on Climate Bill Oct 28, 2009
"Certainly, his views are going to be heard, and his views are going to be taken into account mostly because he is similar to many other fence-sitters that are key to this," said , an industry lobbyist for Bracewell & Giuliani, citing other senators from coal-producing and rural states, like Democrats Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas. Baucus, who plans Finance Committee hearings next month on several issues central to the legislation, opened today's... (Scientific American)
McKinley: Ethanol plant needs corn,great people Oct 27, 2009
Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad, and Congressman Earl Pomeroy ... Byron Dorgan and Kent Conrad and Congressman Earl Pomeroy were also present. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Schumer: Dems Near 60 Votes on Public Option Oct 26, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. Senate Republicans, who number just 40 in the 100-member chamber, oppose the public option in any form. (Newsmax)
Moderate Democrats hold health bill's fate in their hands Oct 25, 2009
The informal centrist roster includes senators who have broken with the party the most this year - Indiana's Evan Bayh and Nebraska's Ben Nelson - as well as Tom Carper of Delaware, Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut (an independent who caucuses with the Democrats), Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Warner and Jim Webb of Virginia, Jon Tester of Montana and Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota. Nelson and Sen. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Obamacare Would Invite One in Five Americans Into Medicaid Oct 24, 2009
Kent Conrad s North Dakota constituents may grill him about legislation that would push Medicaid recipients 50. 1 percent higher, from 51,890 -- plus 26,000 -- to 77,890. (Human Events Online)
Negotiations to Continue on Countrywide Subpoena Oct 24, 2009
or Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) regarding loans each received through the Countrywide VIP program but chastised the pair for not being more vigilant to ensure against the appearance of special treatment. Both lawmakers had denied wrongdoing for participating in the program and said they never asked for favorable terms on their loans. (Roll Call)
Senate Bill May Have Public-Option Plan Oct 24, 2009
and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said in separate interviews that they had been told the plan was drawing interest in private negotiations led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. who is merging health bills passed by two separate committees into a final package to bring to the floor. (Time.com)
Obama Leans Toward Public Health Option Oct 23, 2009
and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., told reporters they had been told the private negotiations were considering the plan. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. (Newsmax)
Two Democrats Join GOP Call for Countrywide Probe Oct 23, 2009
Two Senators who received loans through the program Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn. were investigated and cleared by the Senate Ethics Committee earlier this year. (Roll Call)
No comments posted. Oct 23, 2009
and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said in separate interviews they had been told the plan was drawing interest in the private negotiations unfolding in an ornate room in the Capitol down the hall from the Senate chamber. The final decision is up to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. (Washington Daily News, NC)
Click to read:Senate Dems Seek Viable Public Option Oct 23, 2009
Ben Nelson and Kent Conrad said in separate interviews they had been told the plan was drawing interest in private negotiations led by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, also a Democrat, who is merging health bills passed by two separate committees into a final package to bring to the floor. "What I'm hearing is that this is the direction of the conversation," said Conrad, who supports an alternative approach under which non-profit co-ops would compete with private industry. (CBS News)
Health care public option gains momentum Oct 23, 2009
Democratic Senators Ben Nelson and Kent Conrad said in separate interviews that they had been told the plan was being considered in private negotiations. The White House had no comment on the remarks by Nelson and Conrad. (Boston Globe)
Towns Walks on Thin Caucus Ice Oct 22, 2009
said Issa is pushing a fishing expedition, and pointed to the fact that the Senate Ethics Committee already reviewed and cleared two Senators who received loans through the Countrywide VIP program Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Chris Dodd (D-Conn. . (Roll Call)
On Deficits And Doctors Oct 21, 2009
Late last week, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad told his fellow Democratic colleagues that he wouldn't play along with their transparent scheme to offload $247 billion - the amount needed to pay for the so-called Medicare "doc fix" over ten years - from Obamacare onto another piece of budget-busting legislation. For that bit of independent thinking, Senator Conrad got his own personal meeting with the president of the United States in the Oval Office. (CBS News)
Dems push to reverse doctors' Medicare cuts Oct 21, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-North Dakota and chairman of the Budget Committee, floated a compromise that would reverse the Medicare reimbursement cuts for two years at a cost of $25 billion, rather than the 10-year, $247 billion plan by Stabenow. Conrad said his plan would be paid for by spending cuts and revenue increases, but he provided no details. (CNN -- Health)
House Dems trim health bill to $871 billion Oct 21, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said he and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, were discussing a possible compromise that would cost $25 billion over two years and unlike the original measure not raise federal deficits. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Republicans Feel Locked Out Again — Literally This Time Oct 21, 2009
and Kent Conrad (N.D.) obtained mortgages from the program, prompting Issa and other Republicans to question whether Dodd and Conrad obtained below-market rates because of their positions. However, the Senate Ethics Committee cleared both lawmakers in the matter. (Roll Call)
‘Doc Fix’ Continues to Vex Senate Leaders Oct 21, 2009
Meanwhile, a two-year, $25 billion alternative being negotiated by Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Finance ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) appeared to be gaining steam. That measure would offset the costs of the doctors payments extension over that period, meeting the concerns of a handful of Democrats who want the bill paid for. (Roll Call)
Alternative bill considered on doctors’ fees Oct 21, 2009
Senator Kent Conrad, a North Dakota Democrat, said he and Senator Charles Grassley, an Iowa Republican, were discussing a possible compromise that would cost $25 billion over two years and - unlike the original measure - not raise federal deficits. The nation s debt doubled during the last administration and if we don t do something, it s going to double again in the next eight years, Conrad said. (Boston Globe)
Specter: Public Option Healthcare Gaining Support Oct 20, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., continued to lobby for health insurance cooperatives instead. Special: Get Sarah Palins New Book Incredible FREE Offer. (Newsmax)
Experts: Pelosi Value-Added Tax Devastating Oct 20, 2009
Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), disagrees. "I think a VAT and a high-end income tax have got to be on the table (for debate)," he told The Washington Post in an interview. (Newsmax)
Read the 'FNS' transcript Oct 20, 2009
Joining us now to talk about what they would support are Democratic senators Kent Conrad and Arlen Specter, who are in their home states, and Republican senator John Thune, who joins us here in studio ... SEN. KENT CONRAD, D-N.D.: Well, it's probably not wise for me to negotiate in public, Chris, but let me say this ... When I listen to what my friend Kent Conrad has said, those conditions which he articulated at the very end I think could be consistent with a robust public option. (Fox News)
Conrad, Grassley Look to Break Impasse on ‘Doc Fix’ Oct 20, 2009
Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Finance ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are working on a plan to pay for a $245 billion extension in Medicare payments to doctors, hoping to find a way to quell bipartisan Senate opposition. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev. (Roll Call)
Your views: Letters to the editor Oct 19, 2009
Democratic Senators Max Baucus, Kent Conrad, Blanche Lincoln, Thomas Carper and Bill Nelson have all taken millions of dollars from industry interests and voted not to include a strong public option in the health care bill. They know it would force the cost of health insurance down and so do the insurance companies. (Florida Today)
Conrad pushes health co-ops; Specter says public option 'gaining momentum' Oct 19, 2009
Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) held fast to the idea of health insurance cooperatives Sunday while Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa. (TheHill.com)
Guest lineup for Sunday's TV news shows Oct 19, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Arlen Specter, D-Pa. and John Thune, R-S.D.; Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Afghanistan, healthcare and the impact on Dems to dominate Sunday shows Oct 18, 2009
Kent Conrad (N.D.) and Arlen Specter (Pa. will join host Chris Wallace to talk healthcare and the economy as well. (TheHill.com)
US budget deficit hits record Oct 18, 2009
Meanwhile, Senator Kent Conrad, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said the deficit announcement "again highlights the fiscal mess handed to the Obama administration" by the administration of former president George Bush. - Sapa-AFP. (Business Report, South Africa)
Guests for the Sunday TV news shows Oct 17, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Arlen Specter, D-Pa. and John Thune, R-S.D.; Terry McAuliffe, former Democratic National Committee chairman. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
U.S. deficit soars to record-high $1.4 trillion Oct 17, 2009
But even if the health-care package reduces future deficits, as Obama has pledged, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Kent Conrad, D-N.D., acknowledged, "It is clear that much more will be needed to set our nation back on a sound long-term fiscal path.". A combination of factors produced the $1. (AZCentral -- News)
Labor Unions Turn Against Parts of Health Bill Oct 17, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., for instance, has said he will not support government-run insurance called for in other versions of the bill. The AFL-CIO, the Air Line Pilots Association and the UAW are also part of the coalition. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Reid Axes Monday Vote Oct 17, 2009
Several Democrats like Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) and Evan Bayh (D-Ind. have also signaled their opposition. (Roll Call)
US budget deficit hits record 1.4 trillion dlrs: govt Oct 17, 2009
Meanwhile, Senator Kent Conrad, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, said the deficit announcement "again highlights the fiscal mess handed to the Obama administration" by the administration of former president George W. Bush. 2009. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
US budget gap hits new record Oct 17, 2009
Senate Budget Committee chairman Kent Conrad said health care reform that "bends the long-term cost curve" was critically important to putting the country back on a sound long-term fiscal path. The large deficit has pushed up US government debt issuance, which is likely to remain high in the coming years as well. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Stock Rises for Three Senators Oct 15, 2009
Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), a moderate who spent months helping Baucus negotiate the final Finance bill, conceded the Montana Democrat s task would be difficult but said he has a strong hand to play. Sen. (Roll Call)
Click to read:Senate Finance Panel Passes Health Reform Oct 14, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Sen. Jay Rockefeller D-W.V. and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Sen. (CBS News)
Health Care Bill Passes. No Public Option. Yet? Oct 14, 2009
Senators Pass Health Care Bill with Key Republican Ally, Olympia Snowe. Wednesday, October 14, 2009. (Slate)
Health Reform Expected to Clear Hurdle Oct 13, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., Sen. Jay Rockefeller D-W.V. and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Sen. (CBS News -- Sci/Tech)
Senate Vote Displays Reality Check in Sex Education Debate Oct 13, 2009
Two Democratic Senators, Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Kent Conrad of North Dakota, joined their Republican colleagues to affirm the value of such programs in their states. This move is the first step toward reversing the administration s attempt to zero out every cent devoted to abstinence education. (Roll Call)
DEMS SCRAMBLE AFTER WARNING FROM HEALTH INSURERS Oct 13, 2009
Jack Reed, D-R.I., left, talks with Senate Finance Committee member Kent Conrad, D-N.D. as. Insurers are now raising possibilities such as higher premiums for people who postpone getting coverage, or waiting periods for those who ignore a proposed government requirement to get insurance and later have a change of heart. (The Drudge Report)
Where's the GOP Health Care Alternative? Oct 12, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va. (ABC News)
N.D. scandal raises concerns about health co-op route Oct 11, 2009
"The co-op plan aims to achieve the same benefits for consumers as a public option without government control," said Senator Kent Conrad, a North Dakota Democrat ... As an existing company, the Blues would not be allowed into the ranks of new co-ops envisioned by Senator Kent Conrad, the North Dakota Democrat who is also the Finance Committee s most zealous promoter of the model. (Boston Globe)
Knotty issues ahead for insurance overhaul Oct 9, 2009
Kent Conrad of North Dakota. That pattern is likely to be seen again among House Democrats. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Where's the Health Care Bill? Oct 9, 2009
The group included Democrats Baucus, Kent Conrad (ND) and Jeff Bingaman (NM), along with Republicans Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Mike Enzi (WY). They met for weeks, yet couldn t agree on a bill. (Human Events Online)
Why the CBO cost estimate is so important Oct 8, 2009
Kent Conrad D-N.D., and House Budget Committee chairman Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C.. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Public Option Lite Oct 8, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D., and the trigger (or "") proposed by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine. (Slate)
Dem leader has tough job in crafting health bill Oct 6, 2009
Kent Conrad, D-N.D. "What a daunting challenge.". Everything about health overhaul legislation seems to be unusually complicated, but this process is particularly so because of the disparities between the bills and Obama's goal of keeping the cost at $900 billion over 10 years. (MSNBC -- Politics)
U.S. losing ground on preventable deaths Oct 6, 2009
Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) bemoaned the findings. "All of these countries have much lower costs than we do," he said, pointing to a giant blue chart showing the United States in last place. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Senate health-care bill may be finished, but divisions remain Oct 5, 2009
Those are not the only alternatives," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D.The Finance Committee draft includes co-ops, or nonprofit member-run companies organized on a state, local or regional basis to purchase insurance, an idea that Conrad championed. In addition, Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., is floating a proposal to allow states to create their own public options. Snowe has proposed allowing public options only if state health-insurance markets prove uncompetitive.What's important, Carper said, is... (Fresno Bee)
LETTER: Logistics will doomgovernment-run system Oct 3, 2009
and Kent Conrad (N.D.) voting with every Republican to secure passage of the measure. The proposals success caught Sen. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
