By Matt Holdridge
From Fox News:
Republicans and Democrats are locked in a battle over how to vote on the health care reform package, as House Republicans try to block Speaker Nancy Pelosi from using a legislative trick that would allow rank-and-file Democrats to vote for the health care bill without really voting for the health care bill.
It goes on…
House Republicans plan to introduce a resolution that would require a “straight” vote in the House on the Senate-approved health care plan, to ensure everyone goes on the record as for or against the bill.
The tactic explained…
Under this tactic, the House could simultaneously approve the Senate version of the bill while voting on the package of changes. This would “deem” the Senate bill passed, though not directly show members voting in favor of passage.
It may sound murky, but the option is winning favor among Democrats.
…The maneuver is not rare, though it’s not typically used for something so sweeping and high-profile. The House most recently used the tactic to raise the debt limit while simultaneously passing a measure requiring the chamber to pay for the measures it approves.
Pelosi reportedly told liberal bloggers Monday that “nobody wants to vote for the Senate bill,” and so she’s strongly considering the non-vote vote.
Contact your representatives. Demand they stop the health care takeover!