Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) said today that if the House just signs off on the Senate’s bill as it is and then push for changes during budget reconciliation, “it’s going to be difficult to round up a majority.”
In an interview with Salon, Grijalva said the House should not pass the Senate version of the health care bill and then change it in budget reconciliation later. This would presumably be the only way to avoid another vote in the Senate on health care.
“It has to be the whole thing,” Grijalva said. “The whole issue of parallel — do this or do that later — I don’t believe that will occur.”
“The Senate, through their rules, could say none of this is possible, but I think if we want to pass something, I don’t think it’s going to be their version,” he said.
Grijalva also told Salon that “We won because people were tired and they were cynical about their government, and we need to energize them and make them begin to trust that we’re doing the right thing. Just act like Democrats. Let’s go work for what we’re supposed to work for, and if we have to drag this White House with us, that’s fine.”
He also had some fightin’ words for the Democrats:
Rather than retreat and go hide under the covers, I think what’s important for Democrats — particularly in the House — is to push the envelope. It’s time for some good old-time religion. And start talking to the base — we need the base. If they stay home, we’re in trouble.
