Tulsa World: Lawmakers assess outlook for health-care reform

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Lawmakers assess outlook for health-care reform
Most in the state delegation expect passage in some form.

Rep. Dan Boren (D)

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 8/30/2009 2:22 AM
Last Modified: 8/30/2009 3:38 AM

WASHINGTON — Despite the raging national debate over health-care reform, most Oklahomans serving in Congress believe some kind of legislation on that huge and complex issue could pass this year.

Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe predicted enough political pressure will be applied that Congress "more than likely'' will pass enough of a bill to give President Obama a legislative victory.

Republican Rep. John Sullivan came closest to answering yes.

"Democrats control both houses of Congress and this health-care bill is President Obama's No. 1 legislative priority,'' Sullivan said.

"I believe health care reform will pass during this Congress, but it remains to be seen exactly what that final proposal will look like.''

Rep. Dan Boren, the only Democrat in the state's seven-member delegation, said a "full-scale, government-run plan is unlikely to pass."

Republican Rep. Tom Cole said reform is possible but only if "everything,'' including medical liability reform, is put on the table.

Republican Rep. Mary Fallin declined to speculate on the issue's fate, and Republican Sen. Tom Coburn declined to comment at all.

Only Republican Rep. Frank Lucas was willing to predict defeat.

"If the conversations I have had with my constituents at the 18 town hall meetings I've held this month reflect the thoughts and opinions of Americans across the country — and I think they do — I don't believe President Obama's government-run health-care plan will be able to pass in its current form,'' Lucas said.

Even those who think the issue could still be alive at the end of the session pointed to the national debate that unfolded during the August break.

"I believe that people all across the country, both Democrats and Republicans, have significant concerns about government-run health care — especially trying to pass it during the middle of a recession,'' Boren said.

Inhofe said the legislative process will be affected by the concerns heard from citizens.

"Many Americans have expressed their outspoken opposition to the reforms being pushed by the Obama administration,'' Inhofe said.

Cole cited Republicans' united front in opposing the plan pushed by Democrats.

"However, the real credit for this belongs to the American people who have come out and made their voices heard in August,'' he said.

If the so-called Blue Dog Democrats, a group of House Democrats who focus on budget issues, listen to their constituents, Cole said the bill will fail to pass the House.

Fallin said, "It is hard to imagine how any health-care reform bill could pass without the support of the American people."

What they’re saying

Rep. Dan Boren (D)

“I think that there is still a chance for some kind of bipartisan bill that is more incremental in its approach. A full-scale government run plan is unlikely to pass.’’

Sen. Jim Inhofe (R)

“Many Americans have expressed their outspoken opposition to the reforms being pushed by the Obama Administration. These concerns will likely have an impact on the legislative process. What remains to be seen is whether or not Democrats in control of Congress will work with Republicans, or whether they will push their own ideas through. More than likely there will be a measure of political pressure to get a bill to President Obama’s desk that can be claimed as a legislative victory.”

Rep. John Sullivan (R)

“The Democrat- led 111th Congress has a proven track record of rushing to pass legislation that is dependent on back-room deals — and I have no reason to believe this will be any different. Democrats control both houses of Congress and this health-care bill is President Obama’s No. 1 legislative priority. I believe health-care reform will pass during this Congress, but it remains to be seen exactly what that final proposal will look like.

Rep. Frank Lucas (R)

“If the conversations I have had with my constituents at the 18 town hall meetings I’ve held this month reflect the thoughts and opinions of Americans across the country — and I think they do — I don’t believe President Obama’s government- run health care plan will be able to pass in its current form.”

Rep. Tom Cole (R)

“I do not believe HR 3200 can pass the House and Senate as written. Republicans in both houses are united against this legislation. However, the real credit for this belongs to the American people who have come out and made their voices heard in August. If socalled ‘Blue Dog’ Democrats listen to their constituents, instead of Speaker Pelosi, HR 3200 will not even make it out of the House.”

Rep. Mary Fallin (R)

“While I do not want to speculate about the outcome of President Obama’s health-care plan, Oklahomans have made it perfectly clear that they do not support any government take over of health care. It is hard to imagine how any health-care reform bill could pass without the support of the American people.’’

Jim Myers (202) 484-1424
jim.myers@tulsaworld.com By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Sunday: Most Oklahoma lawmakers expect health care reform to pass," which was published on 8/29/2009.

	Report Comment Ignatz, Broken Bow (8/29/2009 4:20:59 PM) I would say, "Thank God", except I have to consider the source.
	Report Comment Alwaysbob, (8/29/2009 5:02:15 PM) Only one comment??? aw come on conservative sad people. I told you we were going to do this and you all hid your head in the sand and denied it. Well out of the mouths of your retarded faithful in Washington maybe now you can admit you really have no clue.
	Report Comment Check It out, Tulsa (8/29/2009 5:19:56 PM) Yeah baby!
	Report Comment desert fox, (8/29/2009 5:29:12 PM) Aw shucks I like my insurance going up every year and covering less. I really like the fact that it is virtually worthless unless I am in Okla. or Arkansas too. Every time I get a prescription that works they quit covering it, that is a nice feature, not to mention the CEO of United Health Care has been given pay and stock worth over 700 million dollars so far. I like companies that fairly compensate their top dog!
	Report Comment Charley, (8/29/2009 5:57:08 PM) Well, well,well... we were warned, but we (the people of America) paid no serious attention to this threat. 2 dozen complainers, at a Town Hall meeting, does not make a VOICE of & for the people.
	Report Comment Alwaysbob, (8/29/2009 6:12:05 PM) you mean screaming and acting like a fool doesn't work? Why I bet the boys over on FOX news are going to spin the heck out of this. I am sure they will not be admitting how ineffective they were. This makes my heart sing
	Report Comment Royce, Tulsa (8/29/2009 6:53:02 PM) That's interesting. The polls are showing a clear majority (53%) disapprove of this measure. Is Obama calling on his Democrats to commit political suicide? Seems like it to me. Maybe it's worth it to get these sleaze bag Democrats out of office.
	Report Comment casey222, Tulsa (8/29/2009 7:53:33 PM) GOP, maybe if you LISTENED! more closely, you'd know the "libbies" are not expecting universally "free" healthcare for everyone.
	Report Comment reckless abandon, Tulsa (8/29/2009 8:20:20 PM) I pray that our legislators will accomplish the moral imperative of passing universal health care coverage this term. Just as it was argued that the GI bill was too expensive--which turned out to bring in $7.00 in increased tax revenue for every $1.00 spent on education--healthy citizens are more productive.
	Report Comment Darkstar, (8/29/2009 9:03:12 PM) Christmas is the time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell government what they want and their kids pay for it. Richard Lamm
	Report Comment reckless abandon, Tulsa (8/29/2009 9:06:54 PM) actually Christmas is when Jesus was born, in a manger. I thought we were called by Him to make the world a better place. He didn't calculate the cost--or if He did, we found us all worthy of the price.
	Report Comment Darkstar, (8/29/2009 9:32:20 PM) Stuff that's hidden and murky and ambiguous is scary because you don't know what it does. Jerry Garcia
	Report Comment Lance-a-lot, Tulsa (8/29/2009 9:37:17 PM) "America - The Next Ancient Rome" Once at the pinnacle, brought down by liberals and their half-baked schemes. Thanks for nothing guys.
	Report Comment just passing through, (8/29/2009 10:01:32 PM) GOP... None of the health care bills provide "free" health care. Anyone who tells you they do has told you a lie. HR3200 will provide "available" health care at a price that most people can afford. And if you like the insurance you have now you will just keep buying it. I read the bill the Republicans are so hot on. All four, or was it five, pages of it. It was worse than a joke. It was an insult to people without insurance. It is time for the "Party of NO' to move over. You had your chance to make the US a better place and, sad to say, you blew it.
	Report Comment Proud Liberal, Weatherford (8/29/2009 10:19:37 PM) The GOP was very stupid not to get behind this bill early so that it could be a bipartisan measure. They could have been seen as a party of principles over politics. Now it is just the opposite. Now they'll be not only the party who tried to defeat Medicare (and then have tried several times to kill it, then tried to defend their opposition to this bill by saying we need to protect Medicare), but the party who tried to deceive the American people about the contents of this bill to improve the health of the American public.
	Report Comment STulsaJWS, (8/29/2009 10:29:06 PM) ohh NO.....Down with socialism...say NO to Medicare. NO to Social Security. No to Public Schools. No to unemployment insurance. No to....ummmmm what else??
	Report Comment mr.peabody, country side oklahoma (8/29/2009 10:41:16 PM) I heard the DNC was mobilizing its Grass Roots groups to attend Townhall Meetings. Just as soon as they can arrange for the buses, print signs and hire some people.
	Report Comment Bedazzled, (8/30/2009 12:09:44 AM) What Proud Liberal said. Good posting.
	Report Comment Bedazzled, (8/30/2009 12:10:17 AM) Moto, you are ill, go take some medicine. It might help you.
	Report Comment fcol, (8/30/2009 4:39:03 AM) I believe the majority of Americans not only want, but are desperate for healthcare reform. It's a large part of why many chose to elect our current president. Too many of our elected officials on both sides of the aisle appear to be "owned" by insurance and pharma companies.
	Report Comment Graybeard, Tulsa (8/30/2009 6:50:45 AM) It isn't health care that needs reforming, but the costs associated with our health care. I think we all agree that we have some of the best care in the world available. But the Federal Government should stay out of the business of running health care for the population. Free enterprise and competition, tort reform, insurance co-ops, will assist in getting the costs under control. There are 5 bills under consideration in congress, not just the 1000+ page HB3200 that has so many on both sides of the political fence in such an uproar. Congress needs to take the time to look at all of these, listen to the people, and come up with a viable plan that is workable and affordable. We don't have to have this accomplished by the end of September.....another 4 to 8 weeks of planning will undoubtedly prevent some mistakes. So let's take a deep breath and proceed with caution and calm.
	Report Comment oldrustytulsa, Tulsa (8/30/2009 6:54:58 AM) And I can tell you all, one thing, if this is just another one of Their dead head blunders, We real Americans are gonna yell out real loud, We dont have to wait until the next election, DC elected just think they are set up for life in office.All that EAST coast politics, is ruining our country.Im not a Republican or democrat, just a every day, average Joe, just like the one that bite Obama on the butt last time.Remember Joe the plumber?Yeah Ask a lot of Questions.
	Report Comment 52favoriteteacher, Washburn--used to be Broken Arrow (8/30/2009 6:56:45 AM) Less control of our life by Big Brother would be soooooo much better. Solution--keep health care private.
	Report Comment Alwaysbob, (8/30/2009 7:31:34 AM) Too frickin funny... What about all of the facts that have been quoted over the last two weeks? What about all of the rooster pestering going down. You people have been telling me how wrong I am for a few weeks now and now I can bask in the light of your suffering. The really great news is I get this for 7.5 more years. Yeah for me
	Report Comment Alwaysbob, (8/30/2009 7:33:42 AM) Lance A lot I will enjoy your suffering more than most. Its the really hardcore conservatives that I am enjoying the most. Just keep squirming its like the solar power to my generator.

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