House Democratic leaders are placing an early emphasis on healthcare as they discuss their immediate priorities upon the swearing-in of the new Congress on Jan. 3.

Early votes in the House next year are expected to focus on boosting Medicaid and restoring an enhanced tax subsidy that is designed to lower the cost of Affordable Care Act health plans for millions of enrollees. Democrats are also promising swift action on legislation to stop the war with Iran and to reverse some of Donald Trump’strade tariffs.

Passing those bills should not be a problem with such a large Democratic House majority. Getting them signed into law most certainly could be. 

A 60-vote threshold in the Senate looms for the legislation, as does a potential presidential veto. Trump on election night posted a photo on his social media site of a red hat with a simple message on it: “VETO”.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 55 points 2 days ago* (4 children)

Only the DNC can fumble this fucking hard.

Let's take the overwhelming goodwill and massive success and throw it in the dumpster by promising to return the exact conditions that got us here to begin with....

The voters didnt say medicare/medicaid subsidies. They said universal healthcare.

🎯 1
  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
  • [–] 21 points 2 days ago (2 children)

    Reinstating the ACA subsidies and expanding Medicaid coverage could be done immediately if enough Republicans and/or Trump get on board with it, which would have immediate effect on the sustainability of all hospitals that are at risk of closing right now (and there are a lot of them). Medicare for all would take time, even Bernie's plan calls for phasing it in over like 5 years.

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago (1 child)

    All of that is understandable, but it should at least be communicated as the ultimate goal. "Hey we're doing this to help people immediately until we can pass and install medicare for all"

    Schumer/Jefferies dont want to acknowledge it or make any promises. Either because they dont want to (because they're bought and sold by corpo pharma). Or because they dont think they can do it (because theyre fucking weak).

  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 1 child comment
  • [–] 4 points 2 days ago*

    I think it's way too early to know how it's going to go. They're not even in power yet. I def don't trust Jeffries or Schumer, but the political winds are blowing and it'll be interesting to see where they land

  • source
  • parent