Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Democrats Bicker While Health Care Reform Stalls

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 25, 2009 9:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – House Democrats looked on the verge of inter-party warfare yesterday, as they openly battled over health care, the Washington Post reports. Tempers ran especially hot in the Energy and Commerce Committee, where Chairman Henry Waxman accused Blue Dog Democrats of “empowering Republicans,” and suggested the bill bypass his committee entirely. That infuriated the fiscally conservative Democrats; “I feel like I’ve been lied to,” said one.

After a 1-hour meeting that focused mostly on smoothing over hurt feelings, the sides emerged with an agreement only to continue negotiating. “Our colleagues have pulled us back from the brink,” crowed Waxman. But the House now seems further from a deal than it had been on Monday. Steny Hoyer said the odds were “very small” that a bill would be ready by the August recess.

In this July 21, 2009, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., speaks after he and other Blue Dog Democrats met with President Barack Obama at the White House.
In this July 21, 2009, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., speaks after he and other Blue Dog Democrats met with President Barack Obama at the White House.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
In this  May 5, 2009, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. speaks to reporters after Democrats serving on the Energy and Commerce Committees met with President Barack Obama.
In this May 5, 2009, file photo, Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. speaks to reporters after Democrats serving on the Energy and Commerce Committees met with President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, File)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 11 comments
OWLWOMANXXXX
Jul 26, 2009 4:37 AM CDT
We need to protest in DC if we want health care reform....I am willing to go there How does one get started?????
godawgs
Jul 26, 2009 3:23 AM CDT
good spin dr, keep trying to tell yourself that the republicans are the one's holding this up for your part...whatever you got to do to look in the mirror.
Timinator2K
Jul 25, 2009 10:41 AM CDT
I guess you folks haven't had enough of Government debacles and misery in your life...yet. The stalling politicos are doing it for the wrong reasons but, the right ones despite themselves. Death to Obama "Care." And if its 50 plus Dimbulb, Hasta La Vista, Democrats, your Party is over.

More Newser Stories

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns

GOP Pulls 'Reverse Braveheart ' on Payroll Tax

Barney Frank to Retire

House Rejects Balanced Budget Amendment

Chu: Solyndra Wasn't About Politics


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne