Senate votes to move forward with health debate

(November 21)
     On Saturday, the U.S. Senate voted 60-39 along party lines to proceed to begin debate on the health insurance reform bill, "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act." This is a major step forward in moving health insurance reform through a series of procedural hurdles in the Senate - with the ultimate goal being a full Senate vote.
     You might be wondering, what happens next? Republican opponents are now organizing to block a full vote on the Senate floor. But, as SEIU President Andy Stern pointed out last month, there is "no such thing as a Republican filibuster." Republicans cannot succeed in obstructing health reform without the help of their Democratic colleagues - and they're targeting Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA).
     These Senators have all said publicly that they will listen intently to their constituents - now, it's our job to make sure they hear from them. By adopting a health care "swing state," you'll be joining thousands of activists nationwide to call voters in these states, giving them the information they need to call their Senator.
     For nearly a century, American presidents and Congressional leaders have attempted to pass comprehensive health care legislation. Teddy Roosevelt , Harry Truman, and John Kennedy all took up the cause - and ultimately failed. That's why this vote is so important.
     On the Senate floor today, Sen. Chuck Schumer reminded his colleagues that failure is not an option in passing health insurance reform:
     "Passing this bill is an economic imperative. The broken system is not only a burden on the present, it is a tax on the future."
     Now, the real debate begins. Be prepared for wall-to-wall Senate coverage in the weeks ahead, with voting on amendments to the bill expected to begin after Thanksgiving recess.