Micheal E. Hammond talks about reconciliation process
Dan Perrin, the preeminent healthcare blogger over at Redstate posted a column yesterday sharing a letter written by Micheal E. Hammond, former General Counsel of the U.S. Senate Steering Committee. In it, Hammond, referred to as one of the preeminent experts on U.S. Senate procedure, details his reasons why the reconciliation process will not be the vehicle by which Obamacare is passed.
Hammond’s information is thorough and easy to understand, and encouraging. He says:
First, you cannot get the bill through the House without “fixing” abortion, and you cannot do abortion on reconciliation in the Senate.
also
We have asked Senate parliamentarian Alan Frumin concerning our ability to offer abortion amendments to reconciliation, and he has adamantly stood by the position that this is not allowed. And, to get around the Byrd Rule, the Senate requires 60 votes. Without an abortion “fix,” this bill cannot pass the House.
Have a look at Mr. Hammond’s letter yourself, but don’t let up on your efforts to call/fax/email Congress and continue to express your opposition to this legislation, to both parties.
Thursday will be a spectacle.
February 23, 2010
Posted in: National
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