Senate Debate on National Health Insurance Raises Questions of Political Tactics

Strategic Insights -

The current Senate debate on national health insurance has put liberal lobbyists in a difficult position, as they must defend a bill they dislike against amendments they dislike even more. The bill, proposed by Senate Democratic leader George J. Mitchell, includes concessions to conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans that have alienated his liberal allies. Labor unions, consumer groups, and advocates for the elderly have always seen Mitchell as an ally in their campaign for universal health insurance, but his bill has undermined their trust.

Key Takeaways:

  • Liberal lobbyists are defending a bill they dislike against amendments they dislike even more, creating a difficult political situation.
  • The Mitchell bill includes concessions to conservative Democrats and moderate Republicans that have alienated its liberal allies.
  • Labor unions, such as the United Automobile Workers, oppose the bill because it would lead to reduced employer contributions to health insurance premiums.
  • The A.F.L.-C.I.O. says the bill has no effective cost controls, while the United Mine Workers see dangers in its provisions.
  • Some groups, like the American Association of Retired Persons, Families USA, and the Catholic Health Association, support the Mitchell bill as a way to keep the legislative process alive.

Statistics:

  • 1/3 of members of the Health Care Reform Project support the Mitchell bill, while 1/3 oppose it.
  • 50% of health insurance premiums for union workers would be paid by employers under the Mitchell bill in certain states.
  • 5% of the population in a state would have to be uninsured in 2000 for the employer contribution standard to kick in.
  • 100% of health insurance premiums for Communications Workers of America members are paid by their employers.

Sources:

  • The New York Times, "Senate Debate on Health Care Raises Questions of Political Tactics," by Jeff Gerth (no date given)
  • The Health Care Reform Project

*Stephen R. McConnell, Alzheimer's Association

  • William H. Bywater, International Union of Electronic Workers
  • A.F.L.-C.I.O.
  • United Automobile Workers
  • Louise Novotny, Communications Workers of America
  • Ronald F. Pollack, Families USA
  • William J. Cox, Catholic Health Association