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Waxman Offers Secret Health Deal to Blue Dogs

Dem: 'Don't think failure is a reasonable option'

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2009 10:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Rep. Henry Waxman is optimistic he can get a health care bill out of his committee after pitching Blue Dog Democrats a compromise late last night, the Hill reports. After three hours of negotiations, the Dogs asked Waxman to get a cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office before they commit. “I feel very good right now,” said Waxman. “I don’t think failure is a reasonable option.”

The seven members of the fiscally conservative Blue Dogs will meet with the rest of the 52-member caucus to discuss the proposal. Earlier in the day, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer had said it “clearly will not be possible” to vote before Friday’s recess, because lawmakers won’t have time to read the bill.

In this July 14, 2009, file photo, Nancy Pelosi Steny Hoyer, Pete Stark, and Henry Waxman give a news conference announcing the introduction of health care legislation on Capitol Hill. (AP Photo)

Henry Waxman waits to start a hearing on on Capitol Hill in this file photo. (AP Photo)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 9 comments

Forderon

Aug 1, 2009 6:32 AM CDT

Lawmakers don't read the bills anyway

AnnieChrist

Jul 28, 2009 7:59 AM CDT

Like I said, you righties love to display your ignorance for all the world to see. The only articles from the AP state "After weeks of secretive talks, three Democrats and three Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee were edging closer to a compromise ..." You probably had to read the article several times because of the big words, so I guess in your mind, the word 'secret' was mentioned several times, but someone who has reading skills will see that the word 'secretive' appears only once, and it includes republicans as part of the 'secret.' You may note also that it refers to Senate negotiations, whereas the Newser piece refers to Waxman and the House negotiations. So to make this as clear to a small right wing mind as I can, THERE IS NO SECRET DEAL.

AnnieChrist

Jul 28, 2009 6:16 AM CDT

Sorry to disappoint all you righties who are bemoaning the 'Secret Deal,' but the original article--which had too many big words for you righties to comprehend--never once mentioned a 'secret deal,' that is the Newser editor's word. The original article did state that dicussions were held, and no details were released about the discussions. If you view that as some some sort of nefarious activity, then you don't know much about anything, and nothing at all about congressional procedure. Being ignorant about a topic however has never stopped the wing nuts from posting their idiotic comments, this particular instance is no different.

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Waxman Offers Secret Health Deal to Blue Dogs

Dem: 'Don't think failure is a reasonable option'

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And other big government programs that benefited his clients: NYT

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Waxman Offers Secret Health Deal to Blue Dogs

Dem: 'Don't think failure is a reasonable option'

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health care • Henry Waxman • Steny Hoyer • health care reform • House Energy and Commerce Committee • House Democrats • Blue Dog Democrats

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns

'I will recover, and will return,' resignation letter promises

Dummy Firms Squeeze Millions From Medicare

Fraud-fighters finding it hard to stay ahead of shell companies

White House Gives States More Say on Health Law

Proposal would let them determine 'essential benefits'

Gingrich Backed Individual Health Care Mandate

And other big government programs that benefited his clients: NYT

Health Reform Insured 2.5M Young People

Coverage up among 19- to 25-year-olds, now eligible for parents' insurance

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Newser By Users

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