Working *Within* the System
bombs are obsolete
[∏eh W∅n’s] budget director [Peter Orszag, the director of the Office of Management and Budget] said the White House would consider using a Senate procedural tactic so that only 50 votes would be rquired to pass major healthcare and energy reforms. ...
Because they can not be filibustered, budget reconciliations only require 50 votes to pass the Senate. Democrats hold strong majorities in Congress, but still come up short of the 60 votes necessary in the Senate to end debate, which makes it easier for Republicans to block legislation. House rules in comparison make it harder for the minority party to stop bills.
...On healthcare, the plan calls for a $634 billion reserve fund to pay for a first step on healthcare reform.
The president would pay for it in large measure by raising taxes on wealthy people and businesses by about $1 trillion over 10 years.
...The budget plan calls for a cap on carbon emissions, for example, and projects $645 billion in revenues from an auction of pollution permits that a variety of business groups, including oil companies, large manufacturers and utilities, would have to purchase.
Way to stimulate the economy, ....
The president would pay for it in large measure by raising taxes on wealthy people and businesses by about $1 trillion over 10 years.
Oh yeah—that’ll work. Think that domicile-challenged bum under the bridge will give ya a job?
As someone pointed out, if you think healthcare is expensive now, just wait till it’s free.
“... auction of pollution permits that a variety of business groups, ... would have to purchase.”
If the were smart, they’d get together, start the bidding at $1.25 and keep it there.
This “50-vote” thing is just the first step on the road to where they don’t need no stinkin’ votes at all.
Posted by ZZMike on 03/02/09 at 10:00 AM
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