Health Care Vote

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By Sarah Gravlee

Story Published: Nov 21, 2009 at 11:10 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 22, 2009 at 2:39 PM MST

BILLINGS - On a party line vote, sweeping health care legislation cleared its first major hurdle in the U.S. Senate Saturday night. The vote clears the way for a historic debate on the Senate floor over health care reform legislation.

The measure drafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is designed to extend coverage to an estimated 31 million Americans. It would also prevent insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing rates for Americans with pre-existing health conditions.

Montana's two democratic senators, Jon Tester and Max Baucus, both voted for the measure, saying the health care reform bill at least deserves a fair debate on the Senate floor.

"It is important we debate the health care measures on the floor of the United States Senate," Sen. Tester said. "We have the opportunity to save lives, save money and reduce the national debt. I think its critically we have this debate to make sure that any health care bill that passes the Senate works for Montana's small businesses and working families."

Sen. Baucus who has been heavily involved in the push for reform said the nation's health care is in crisis.

"Now we have the opportunity to debate even further," he said in a written statement after the vote. "I look forward to a full and healthy discussion and to working with my colleagues to make this bill even better."

Wyoming's two republican senators, Mike Enzi and John Barrasso both voted against advancing the bill. In a written statement, Sen. Enzi said he hopes to change the bill into something that will get support from both sides of the aisle and bring health care costs down to protect seniors and small businesses.

Senator Barrasso of Wyoming said the bill would cut too much money from Medicare and could hurt seniors.

Democrats are hoping to start the debate after the Thanksgiving break. The president is still hoping to have a bill to sign by the end of the year.

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tawnie said on Monday, Mar 22 at 5:48 PM

Before you decide you support it look at how much tax the people pay in countries with it. The average is 50% and and the welfare rates are 30%. Than ask yourself why.All They had to do was fix what we had.

Hey AL said on Tuesday, Nov 24 at 11:34 AM

Instead of being frightened and confused by what you don't understand try dedicating yourself to understanding.

billy37 said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 8:11 PM

This is really nuts, I think the health care issue is gonna destroy Obama. Just check out what it says here… http://ketiva.com/Politics_and_Government/bizarre_debates_over_us_health_care_reform1.html

Anonymous said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 6:15 PM

vote all usda welfare people from both parties out of public office---if you don't know what I mean check out www.ewg.org see who you know and how much we give to them..to subsidize ttheir business

Al said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 4:44 PM

Sean, you are an idiot.

AL said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 4:43 PM

Sen. Tester said what? How is this health care bill going to reduce the national debt? That does'nt even make sense.This is a travesty!

Dan said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 2:59 PM

80% of Montanans do not support this bill. Senators are supposed to represent the people not special interest groups. Neither Baucus or Tester will get reelected next term.

Matilda said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 10:13 AM

To Sean: The fact is I have supported myself working for a living since I was 15 yrs old. I am now about 60 and still working, still paying my way...not expecting any handout from the government that is bankrupting America! I am not rich, and have the same difficulties most in this country have in making ends meet! But, I do recognize the fact that our government is out of control. Stop expecting them to give you something just for a minute to learn the reality of the danger we are in!

Sean said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 8:44 AM

Matilda you must be rich or have a government job. Nobody who works for a living can afford to have an attitude like yours.

BOB said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 7:51 AM

I am proud of my senators and of all the dems who worked so hard to help the american people. It's nice to see that some of the damage done by repubs is getting fixed.

Matilda said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 7:36 AM

After all the BS and all of the rhetoric put out by Baucus over the course of the last 9 months about never supporting a public option, he is voted for it after all is said and done! Max Baucus and Jon Tester, just like all of the other wimpy spineless Democrats in the Senate and the House, are going to cave in to the pressure of the leading idiots, Obama, Pelosi and Reid. We all hope you rot in your graves together for bankrupting our great country!

Matilda said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 7:31 AM

After all the BS and all of the rhetoric put out by Baucus over the course of the last 9 months about never supporting a public option, he voted for it after all is said and done! Max Baucus and Jon Tester, just like all of the other wimpy spineless Democrats in the Senate and the House, are going to cave in to the pressure of the leading idiots, Obama, Pelosi and Reid. We all hope you rot in your graves together for giving away our great country, and the freedoms our founding f

Pat Manchack said on Sunday, Nov 22 at 4:42 AM

You certainly are not serving the people. Vote all Democrats out of the Senate ASAP.

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