Nothing like doing legislative business at 1:00 AM to let the public know what is going on. The House Rules Committee decided it would try to push the budget and tax bill through while much of the Nation was sleeping. And the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a 26 hour meeting as Democratic members pushed 33 amendments to the bill, which failed on party line votes, of course,
The issues are tax breaks for the wealthy – goodness knows, Elon Musk needs more tax breaks – and Medicaid limitations –got to get those paraplegics working! And we can’t forget health insurance. Unable to repeal the Affordable Care Act, the bill would boost the cost by 75% -- who cares about medical care for the middle-class, anyway?
So, in addition to the 7 to 8 million who would lose Medicaid, the insurance hike would probably rob another 13.7 million out of insurance. But, never worry, for the oil barons will make out just fine. Their contributions to certain politicians made sure of that.
Prayer for the Day
Unsettled, we chafe at the words we hear in our Nation,
From those who would destroy our social fabric;
Disturbed, yet feeling powerless, we go through the motions,
Speaking words of protest without effect.
Move us beyond despair into hopeful action,
Calling our leaders into account for their decisions.
In the name of the One who cared for the poor,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
I’m kind of vacillating between, on the one hand, being encouraged, because this is really an exercise in democracy. You’ve heard passionate debate on a topic that’s important to everyone in this room for the last 26 hours. But on the other hand, I have to be honest, I found it to be also a deeply cynical performative partisan experience. So I’ll have to reflect on that some more after I’ve gotten some sleep.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA)
Democrats stand with you, Sasha (23-year old with cerebral palsy), in opposing any Medicaid cuts. We need just four Republicans to join us. I hope we can find them, and I hope one (Rep. Tom Kean) is your congressmember.
Rep. Nanette Barragan (D-CA)
Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fall.
Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.
Proverbs 22: 8-9