In Health Battle, Dick Armey Rides Again

House victory probably end of the road for Protect Life Act

(NEWSER) - The House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban women from using the health reform law’s subsidies to buy health care plans that cover abortions. The "Protect Life Act"—which passed 251-172 after a heated debate—would also allow hospitals to turn away women who need emergency care that includes an abortion, the Huffington Post reports. The bill's Republican backers say it is intended to ensure that no taxpayer money funds abortions. More»

PR, car leases cost taxpayers a bunch

(NEWSER) - Despite campaign promises to slash the federal budget, some GOP House freshmen are sparing no expense on cars and PR at taxpayer expense. At least 15 newly elected Republicans have spent tens of thousands on mailings that boost their exposure in their districts, says House quarterly disbursement reports. Many also have signed car leases that will cost constituents up to $1,000 per month, reports Politico . More»

May force partisan standoff

(NEWSER) - The GOP may not have the votes to repeal health care reform, but they're still setting their sights on it. Incoming Republicans say they plan to curtail the controversial law by finding creative ways to hobble it, finds the New York Times . They may, for instance, cut funding and personnel at the IRS to slow the implementation of new health insurance requirements, or use spending bills to block federal insurance regulations they oppose. More»

Steve King, Louie Gohmert not far behind among fringe congressmen

(NEWSER) - A week after releasing its Senate Wingnut Index , the Daily Beast investigates wingnuttery in the House. Using a “semi-scientific” process to identify the most extreme members on both sides of the spectrum, the site ranks them:

1. Michele Bachmann (R-MN): From calling the president “anti-American” to warning of tyranny, “Bachmann has become a symbol of all things Wingnutty in American politics.”

Rachel Brown, who Frank famously shot down, running against him

(NEWSER) - When a town hall protester asked Barney Frank why he supported a “Nazi” health care plan last summer, Frank became YouTube-famous for replying, “On what planet do you spend most of your time?” Now, that town hall protester is spending her time running against Frank in the Democratic primary, pledging to end all bailouts and—you cannot make this stuff up—colonize Mars. More»