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Senate's Reading Marathon Ends Early

Sanders pulls amendment after GOP delaying tactic

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2009 4:12 PM CST

(Newser) – Pity the poor Senate clerk's office, which finds itself at the center of parliamentary games. Staffers spent nearly three hours today reading aloud an amendment—a move forced by Republican Tom Coburn to gum up the works—before independent Bernie Sanders angrily yanked it back. They had gotten only to page 139 of the 767-page measure, which included phrases such as "maxillofacial region" and "dental prophylaxis."

The move may just be the beginning of the delaying tactics by the GOP, reports Politico. The Sanders amendment, which would have inserted a single-payer system into the bill, had no chance of passing, notes Time. But Democrats won't have the luxury of pulling back Harry Reid's eventual offering if Republicans force that to be read aloud.

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday.
Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-Vt. gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and John McCain, R-Ariz., ride the elevator together.
Sens. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and John McCain, R-Ariz., ride the elevator together.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., walks to the Senate floor Wednesday.
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., walks to the Senate floor Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
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The day will come, although I recognize it’s not today, when the US Congress will have to vote to stand up to … all those who profit every single year off of human sickness. That day will come. - Sen. Bernie Sanders, after pulling his amendment

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
cornelison
Dec 17, 2009 6:31 AM CST
It's interesting how those deficit hawks like to waste taxpayers' money in Congress.
Mad
Dec 17, 2009 1:20 AM CST
Fine: ALL republicans suck ass. Need proof? Look in a mirror
davjc09
Dec 16, 2009 11:33 AM CST
In terms of actual healthcare infrastructure, the US is second to none. Access to care is indeed limited and needs to be expanded. Here's one thing that everyone can agree on: the status quo is not sustainable. The single-payer option is bar none the most cost-effective. Most Americans (when faced of an issue of their own health), however, don't want their healthcare to be cost-effective they want results, regardless of the price. The quality of care in a single-payer system will be limited. I'm not opposed to reform with a public option if it achieves the goal it is set to do: regulate the insurance industry and provide affordable access to Americans.

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