Grayson, progressive leaders ask Senate Dems to use reconciliation to pass healthcare

[bigtree]

Progressive groups with the help of Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) delivered a petition to top Democrats on Wednesday, imploring them to use reconciliation to pass a robust healthcare reform package promptly.

That petition, which included more than 250,000 signatures, symbolizes voters' growing frustration with Democratic leaders' willingness to "water down" their healthcare bill, Grayson told reporters at a rally outside the Hart Office Building.

"Nobody cares about how many Republicans vote for this bill; nobody cares about reconciliation or anything else," Grayson said. "What they care about is affordable, accessible and universal healthcare, and that's where we are at this point."

He later stressed that lawmakers had "underestimated" President Barack Obama's support for a public option, which he said was "still true," even as Democrats all but agree the likelihood of a government-based healthcare plan is nil.

"That's a point I hope to hear from the president today," Grayson said of the president's upcoming State of the Union address, noting many House Democrats have been unwavering in their support for a public plan. "That's a point I think 51 senators understand."

read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/78269-grayson-progressive-leaders-ask-senate-dems-to-use-reconciliation-to-pass-healthcare

[endless october]

1. at least someone is trying.

[arthritisR_US]

2. oh to have 60 Grayson's...n/t