Originally Posted by dc_dux

IMO....it is a good bill, in fact, a very good bill, but not a great bill or a perfect bill.

It represents the first significant health reform ever and will provide affordable and accessible insurance for 30+ million uninsured Americans and, for nearly 200 million Americans with insurance, it will provide unprecedented security in knowing that they wont have coverage being denied or go broke as a result of a health issue (among other benefits). it puts new restrictions on insurance companies to force holding down premium increases, although I hope the House version with stronger language in removing the industry's anti-trust exemption is adopted in the final conference report.

The debate proceeded in both the House and Senate over a nine month period, through several committees, and with numerous opportunities for Republicans to make contributions and show an interest in a bi-partisan approach. They chose to go the other direction and use every procedure possible to stall the process and mislead the public.

The final bill was available online for anyone to see prior to the start of the final floor action, there were hours of debate on the floor, over the course of a week, in which both parties had equal time, and there were Republican amendments that were offered....most of which were for the sole purpose of stalling the bill, rather than improving the bill.

If I had a Senator, he/she would have my vote if they supported this bill and would lose my vote if he/she didnt.