Student Loan Bill a No-Brainer That Actually Might Pass

Republicans will cut off cash to key Dem initiatives

(NEWSER) - If Republicans win the House in November, they’ll highlight their differences with Democrats by starving signature policies—like health care—of cash, the Wall Street Journal reports. Although the GOP hopes to repeal the health care bill in the House, such a measure would likely fail in the Senate, so leaders are devising other ways to undermine it. Other Democratic initiatives like financial and environmental reform would get similar treatment. More»

She can't afford any more defections

(NEWSER) - A new survey of Democrats could mean a big political headache for Nancy Pelosi. The Hill rounds up 25 in the House who are expected to vote "no" on health care reform. Pelosi can afford no more than 37 defections, and the count doesn't include the 12 Stupak Democrats who are threatening to sink the bill over abortion language or members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who might do the same over immigration provisions . More»

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin has returned to her Facebook soapbox to reinvigorate the "death panels" meme she helped popularize. "We had been told there were no 'death panels' in the bill," says an essay posted to the former Alaska governor's page. "But look closely at the provision mandating bureaucratic panels that will be calling the shots regarding who will receive government health care." More»

President rallies Democrats as House debates bill

(NEWSER) - President Obama rallied the Democratic troops today and told the nation that "this is our moment to deliver" on health care reform. In a brief Rose Garden address that took place as the House debated its long-awaited bill, Obama again stressed the need for reform and urged lawmakers to "answer the call of history." Representatives are expected to vote on the final measure sometime today, and Nancy Pelosi sounds confident, notes Politico . More»

Stupak amendment blocks private insurers offering procedure

(NEWSER) - In a last-ditch effort to corral 40 anti-abortion party members whose votes are needed to pass health care reform, Democrats last night agreed to let the whole House vote today on an amendment that would bar insurers participating in the new government-run health care exchange from providing abortions except in the case of rape, incest or to protect the mother's health. It would also prevent people who receive federal subsidies from buying private insurance that covers abortion. More»