Sept. 3, 2009: Pelosi: "A Bill Without a Strong Public Option Will Not Pass the House!"

[KoKo]

Pelosi: A Bill Without a Strong Public Option Will Not Pass the House
Brian Beutler | September 3, 2009, 6:41PM

If you weren't already convinced that the House and the Obama administration are on a collision course, you might be now.

The latest statement out of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office is unequivocal: "A bill without a strong public option will not pass the House," Pelosi said.

Pelosi has said the same thing in the past, but with the fight over the public option reaching a fever pitch--and the White House signaling left and right that they're walking away from it--her renewed insistence is telling, and will no doubt come as encouraging news to progressives.

"If someone has a better idea for promoting competition and reducing health care costs, they should put it on the table," Pelosi said. "Eliminating the public option would be a major victory for the insurance companies who have rationed care, increased premiums and denied coverage."

Earlier today, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)--a leading public option surrogate--said a health care bill with a public option "trigger" might pass the House. But perhaps he spoke too soon.

You can read the entire statement below the fold.

"Any real change requires the inclusion of a strong public option to promote competition and bring down costs. If a vigorous public option is not included, it would be a major victory for the health insurance industry.

"President Obama has said that a public option will keep the insurance companies honest. If someone has a better idea for promoting competition and reducing health care costs, they should put it on the table. But for the past month, opponents of health insurance reform have demonstrated that they are afraid of the facts. They have only offered distortions, distractions and misrepresentations to try to kill this historic legislation.

"A bill without a strong public option will not pass the House. Eliminating the public option would be a major victory for the insurance companies who have rationed care, increased premiums and denied coverage."

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/09/pelosi-a-bill-without-a-strong-public-option-will-not-pass-the-house.php

[defendandprotect]

1. She also said: "Democrats were elected to end the war" . . . day after '06 elections!!!

[tridim]

2. A bill with the PO did pass the house.

What are you talking about?

[krawhitham]

5. not with a "Strong Public Option"

But the OP is talking about the house passing the Senate's version of the bill untouched

[polpilot]

3. She actually said that only a POS approved by the health insurance lobby would pass.

[xchrom]

4. May she remember that. Nt

[bvar22]

6. Its ALL according to the script.

For the con to work, you have to keep the sucker interested.
Classic Bait & Switch.

In 2006, Fancy Nancy parlayed her Congressional Seat into a seat at the Rich Man's Table.
She got an extreme face lift, and has never looked back.

She plays for the other team now.
Sad. I used to be an enthusiastic supporter.

[emilyg]

7. She also said

"The American people voted to restore integrity and honesty in Washington, D.C. and the Democrats intend to lead the most honest and most ethical Congress in History."

[Raineyb]

8. Nancy Pelosi's words aren't worth the air she uses to speak them.

I think THAT much is more than painfully obvious at this point.