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Lincoln, Pryor join in passing health care measure

Posted: December 24, 2009 at 10:41 a.m.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln leaves the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009.
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Sen. Blanche Lincoln leaves the Senate floor on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009.

— Arkansas Sens. Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor joined fellow Democrats as the U.S. Senate passed a landmark health care bill.

The Christmas Eve vote was 60-39 with 58 Democrats and two independents voting “yes” while Republicans unanimously voted “no.”

Lincoln said in a statement that the legislation is a large step toward extending health insurance coverage to 400,000 Arkansans and 31 million Americans.

Pryor said in a statement that he believes it will make health coverage more affordable, reliable and accessible.

The bill must still be merged with legislation passed by the House before President Obama could sign a final bill in the new year.

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We get what we deserve. Make your voice heard or stop complaining.

Posted by: scotch125

December 25, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

The people have been shouting "No" to this healthcare bill. Obviously it has fallen on deaf ears.

Posted by: sallyswell

December 25, 2009 at 3:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Its Because Lincoln And Pryor don't care about the American people. I know I wont forget.

Posted by: celestialtom

December 25, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Many other states received special deals. Arkansas did not. So whether this bill is a good thing or a bad thing, one thing remains clear, because of Lincoln and Pryor every Arkansan will pay EXTRA taxes to pay for special projects elsewhere. What would this bill have cost tax payers if it did not include buying votes? One bill that passed had a ammendment in it to build a skate park up north. My tax money is going to pay for a SKATE PARK in another state. This is change we can believe in???

Posted by: BCGuy

December 25, 2009 at 8:32 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

This is a government action that is symbolic in a couple of ways:
1) When it is signed into law, it really doesn't take effect until 2013, when the Obama admin is in retirement, and that also means that whatever is in the bill will be changed beyond recognition by them, but most importantly is
2) It truly shows what your US Senators think about you and being okay with the idea that there should be penalties for those who can't afford health insurance when they don't buy it..... pray.

Posted by: fanortner

December 25, 2009 at 11:04 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Hi:

I am opposed to this legislation for the reasons given below. We need health care reform but we need to approach this through tax incentives, trying not overburden with regulation and keep government cost and involvement to the mimimum.

As I understand the present health care package that may pass congress will:

 Raise taxes. You will have to pay taxes on the amount of dollars that the insurance company pays on a claim. This is just one example of many.
 Raise premiums.
 Decrease Medicare benefit.
 Increase the Federal Debt.
 Increase the Deficit.
 Impose restrictions on Businesses.
 Does not address tort reform.
 Increase the government’s further intrusion into every bodies life
 Decrease coverage.
 Possibly have you claim reviewed by a apathetic government employee
 Decrease competion if the public option componet is included, because the private sector can’t have the lower premiums that the government has, thereby driving the private sector out of business.

There is a proposed Senate Bill S1099 that’s worthy of consideration. It gives tax rebates to individuals to shop for policies on their own. Also proposed Senate Bill S2662 address tort reform.

Sincerely,

Bill Cash

Posted by: wkc1970

December 26, 2009 at 12:31 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Bill, when u say they don,t care I think the opposite they care that is why they came aroung. Go set hat a hospital and see the ones that come in and are treated without insurance and no pay and wonder why your premiums increase. My opinion they just went about 1 third far enough.

Posted by: popox6

December 26, 2009 at 11:03 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

The House and Senate have passed dissimilar bills, purportedly "to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending, and for other purposes".

Sadly, the most glaring of other purposes provides the established health insurance corporations with a legal mandate to collect premium payments from nearly everyone, depending upon means testing data.

The most fair and efficient medical care delivery system we have is the Veterans Administration, the public option of choice for millions of veterans. Fortunately, these two bills agree that VA, Indian Health Service, and other recipients of federally administered medical care are not mandated to pay into the insurance scam.

The clear solution to phasing out corporate insurance hegemony is to expand the availability of public options. Thus we see how money and power come to bear in manipulating conservative politicians and their reactionary legions.

Posted by: FrankLloydLeft

December 27, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Judas got a few pieces of silver. Mark and Blanch did not get any silver for the people of Arkansas. How much silver did they personally received?

Posted by: John_4007

December 29, 2009 at 9:46 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Lincoln and Pryor and all other representatives swore an oath to PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE CONSTITUTION!
The constitution does not allow the government to force people to buy or sell anything! That is left to the states. They lied when they swore the oath and they have no conscience about selling out their constituents. Forcing people to buy insurance under threat of prison is tyranny, whether by a dictator or a politburo. We have witnessed the beginning of our loss of freedom by a corrupt party filled with corrupt people who are there only to enrich themselves with wealth and power at our expense. All are liars, cheats, and thieves!

Posted by: MrD

December 29, 2009 at 1:16 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

FatChance has no idea what he/she is thinking about the VA. If they served and have access to the VA, then they have something simple to deal with. The VA has been an apathetic catastrophy that needs me to show them what needs to be done next or whats available. They just talk talk talk (the employees are nice, though).

The VA model may be a start for those who don't have medical, but I wouldn't want it to be my primary.

Jim, Special Forces Retired

Posted by: SFret

December 30, 2009 at 4:27 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

Popox6, I care deeply for them but at what point do they care about themselves more than I care about them? Why do I have to be more comcerned for their health than they are? When do their rights stop, and my rights begin?

Posted by: BCGuy

December 31, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. ( | suggest removal )

ihave always thought it was we the people for the people.but iguess i am wrong its more like you will do what the goverment says.wait a minute i thought we lived in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.not communist russia

Posted by: wjwa01

January 1, 2010 at 6:51 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

All of you people complaining need to just shut up, go to work, pay your taxes, and continue being ideal citizens. Our government knows what is best for us.

Posted by: JINXR

January 4, 2010 at 11 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

i haven't read where anyone says they will not vote for either senator in the next election. i am stating now on 1/62/2010 i qill not vote for either one. each senator does not have the guts to go against the political leaders of the senate. keep a long memory for the next election coming up in 2010. when the senatorial calls us crazies or nuts or terriost please do not forget. we are not terriost.+

Posted by: hiramtay_yahoo.com

January 6, 2010 at 8:37 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Wake up people.It's time to realize that these people we elect are not in it to help WE THE PEOPLE. Once they get in power,they work for the CORPORATE STATE, not the Constitutional state. Lincoln, Pryor, and all the rest of the bunch could care less about us.Just remember, They won't be using this health care,no more than they us the so called social security system. Thats why there is no $ in it!

Posted by: rot

January 10, 2010 at 10:36 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

Blanche can say "Hello" to Helena full time in 2011. It will take a tad longer to get rid of Mark.

Posted by: Xray

January 12, 2010 at 3:59 a.m. ( | suggest removal )

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