Senator Lieberman's Concerns Over Health Care Reform Process

Strategic Insights -

Senator Joseph Lieberman expressed his hesitation to support the health care reform overhaul due to concerns over the use of the reconciliation process, which he believes may lead to the legislation being vulnerable to piecemeal repeal in the future. This decision comes after a Republican colleague reportedly told him that there will be no agreement on any legislation if the health bill passes through reconciliation. Lieberman also stated that the lack of bipartisan support for the reform may lead to its undoing if more Republicans are elected to Congress or they take back the White House.

Key Takeaways:

  • Senator Joseph Lieberman, a key Democrat, is hesitant to support the health care reform overhaul due to concerns over the use of the reconciliation process.
  • A Republican colleague reportedly informed Lieberman that there will be no agreement on any legislation if the health bill passes through reconciliation, which requires only a simple majority.
  • Lieberman believes that the use of reconciliation for health care reform is unprecedented and may make the legislation vulnerable to piecemeal repeal in the future.
  • He also expressed concern that the lack of bipartisan support for the reform may lead to its undoing if more Republicans are elected to Congress or they take back the White House.
  • Lieberman suggested breaking up the health care reform bill into smaller parts to save elements such as controls on future costs, better regulation of the insurance industry, and subsidies for those who cannot afford insurance.
  • The approval of the Senate health bill in the House is the biggest immediate hurdle, and reconciliation will then be used to bridge differences between the original versions in each body.
  • Democrats, including President Barack Obama, are pushing for an up-or-down vote on the bill by March 26.

Statistics:

  • Since 1982, reconciliation has been used at least nine times for health care laws, including the passage of COBRA and overhaul of the doctor payment system for Medicare.

Sources:

  • New Haven Register, 2010
  • McClatchy-Tribune Information Services