If you get a straight word from your member of Congress about whether they’re ready to vote for the Senate bill (with or without a separate amending piece of legislation) definitely let us know. We’re very interested to hear who wants to let the bill go down.
So far, Rep. Neal seems dead set against. But certainly there are many others because I don’t doubt Speaker Pelosi when she says the votes aren’t there. (Rep. Neal’s office seems to be more noncommittal now — basically saying House Dems are considering their options.)
(From the initial emails we’re getting from readers, it’s not so much a matter of trying to find who won’t vote for the bill as any members of House who will give constituents a straight answer about where they stand.)
Now a note from TPM Reader NL …
I called my Congresswoman’s (Susan Davis) office to get an answer on where she stands on the Senate bill. I got the obligatory the-Congresswoman-supports-strong-healthcare-reform response. After 10 minutes of listening to the staff assistant tell me what Susan Davis’ positions on imaginary strong healthcare bills are, the staff assistant finally said that the Congresswoman would vote against the Senate bill. Needless to say, I know who I won’t be voting for in the fall. But trust me, I intend to vote.
TPM Reader JP didn’t have much better luck …
Long-time reader, first-time emailer, etc. Anyways, just called the Washington office of my congresswoman, Yvette Clarke. I asked what her position is on the Senate health care bill, and the person on the other end of the phone said that they were still looking into it because there is no public option. So, no commitment either way. I let her know that they needed to pass it and get on to other business or else the Democrats will seem to have wasted a whole year on passing nothing. We’ll see what happens, eh?
Late Update: Alas, one of the best, Rep. Holt of New Jersey is one of those who will not vote for the senate bill.
Late Update: TPM Reader DL seems to be getting the run around from Rep. McDermott.
Late Update: TPM Reader and old friend AK chimes in …
I just got off the phone with Congressman Mike Thompson’s DC office. The person who initially fielded my call explained that the congressman “doesn’t yet know if he’ll vote for the Senate health care bill.” “Um, really?” I said. “Didn’t the House Democratic caucus meet this morning on this very question?” “Yes, but we’re waiting to hear from leadership about our path forward.” I then asked to speak to the staffer in charge of the
congressman’s health care portfolio and got very nearly the same answer. The staffer did, though, explain that the congressman is very eager to hear from constituents on this issue. Well, okay then.I hope you’re finding a way to stay sane during these dark days. I’ve been spending a bit more time than usual watching my kids sleep.
