Health care reform cleared a momentous hurdle Tuesday, as the Senate Finance Committee voted to send its version of the legislation to the Senate floor after months of closely watched deliberations.
The committee voted 14-9 in favor of the package. One Republican, Maine Sen. Olympia Snowe, broke with her party to support the bill. All 13 Democrats on the panel voted in favor of it, while the rest of the Republicans opposed it.
Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe broke with her party Tuesday and said she will vote for a Democratic health care bill, handing President Barack Obama a much-sought boost in his quest to expand access to medical coverage to all Americans.
Approval of the legislation by the Senate Finance Committee was a foregone conclusion going into Tuesday’s vote, since Democrats outnumber Republicans 13-10 on the panel. But Snowe’s decision gave the vote a significance that transcends partisan divisions.
Well, I can’t say it’s a surprise…..
So it begins.
The Senate Finance Committee is poised to pass their version of the government health care takeover plan.
The only question that remains is, will Snowe stick with us or will she give the Dems “bipartisanship” cover.
From the New York Times:
For many observers, the big question about Tuesday’s vote is which way Senator Olympia J. Snowe, Republican of Maine, will finally lean.
Ms. Snowe, the only Republican who has expressed willingness to support the bill, has not yet offered any clues on whether she will vote for or against. Even Washington’s most seasoned political bookmakers are not venturing a guess.
This is the first round in a long fight people.
Do not tire and do not give up!
Call your respective representatives and let them know that come 2010, they will be looking for new employment if they don’t listen to our voices!!!
