House Medicare bill gets veto-proof majority

[Lone_Star_Dem]

Source: The Hill

In a surprise development, the House on Tuesday passed a Medicare bill with a veto-proof majority, marking a significant step toward a goal that has eluded Congress all year.

The measure passed on a 355-59 vote, with 129 Republicans joining all Democrats who voted to approve the bill. Several members of the GOP leadership cast votes for the legislation.

The Democratic leadership set a high bar for passage by placing the measure on the suspension calendar, where it needed a two-thirds majority. As time ran out on the vote and it became clear it had reached that mark, at least 18 Republicans switched their “no” votes to “yes.” The margin also means that the House could override the presidential veto that the White House has threatened.

The House Republican leadership opposed the bill and whipped GOP members to vote against it.

Read more: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-medicare-bill-gets-veto-proof-majority-2008-06-24.html

[sutz12]

1. "whipped GOP members to vote against it. "

And the floggings will continue until morale improves.

:evilgrin:

[nykym]

4. They're Republicans

they enjoy a good flogging

[pattmarty]

5. Hence the term majority/minority "whip".

[MaineDem]

2. Great news! n/t

[pleah]

3. I hope the Senate doesn't gut the bill,

when they do their vote. K&R

[Robbien]

6. GOPer McConnell owns Senator Reid

Of course they will gut the bill and Reid will whine saying its not his fault, as usual.

[happygoluckytoyou]

7. BI-PARTIZAN.... thats right america... all the gop has to do is listen to good plans & jump the line

[fasttense]

8. So does this bill give immunity to bush?

It must if Nancy allowed it on the floor.