Obama health care plan explained

[Undesired Walrus]

My understanding is that several versions have passed through committees (or one version passed through several committees?)

All I could find in a quick search was this story about it being approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee.

They vote on the language in committee? Wasn't this the thing Obama said would be on C-Span unlike under Clinton?

I'm pretty sure it's already made it further than the Clinton plan. Also I think it looks promising to get at least one floor vote in September, and a final compromised version to be passed by the end of the year.

What's a floor vote? Congress or the Senate or something?

Plus, where does the Bill start from? The White House itself? How does it differ from a Private Members Bill for example (Like Obama's 'Google For Government' Bill).

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

What's a floor vote? Congress or the Senate or something?

Yes.

Plus, where does the Bill start from? The White House itself?

The way I understand it, Obama spelled out a number of principles or goals that he wanted the reform bill to address. The various different reform bills addressed those goals (or not) in different ways.

The House Democrats' bill (HR 3200) (which is the one I expect most people are referring to when they talk about "Obamacare" or "the bill") was sponsored by John Dingell and co-sponsored by Robert Andrews, Dale Kildee, Carolyn Maloney, George Miller, Frank Pallone, Charles Rangel, Fortney Stark, Henry Waxman.

 

[JoeTheJuggler]

They vote on the language in committee? Wasn't this the thing Obama said would be on C-Span unlike under Clinton?

They can change the language in committee. I'm not sure specifically what the C-Span campaign promise was, but I don't think Obama has the power to change the legislative process.

The reform proposals are certainly monopolizing news coverage these days. There are town hall meetings on it virtually everywhere. Despite a misinformation campaign, it's not at all difficult to find out what's being proposed and by whom.

 

[ddt]

They vote on the language in committee? Wasn't this the thing Obama said would be on C-Span unlike under Clinton?

Aren't committee sessions open to the public? Aren't they covered on C-Span? Just curious...

 

[richardm]

Hammersmith Hospital which presume is NHS. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3705684.stm

Yep.

Mr Blair paid tribute to the Hammersmith Hospital staff saying: "From the porters to the doctors, nurses and consultants, their care was fantastic.
"It reflects the tremendous dedication, expertise and commitment NHS staff show everyday throughout the country."

Mind you that article might not be accurate, since it contains at least one blatant lie:

"I think the whole country will wish him well."

- as he hurled his voodoo doll to the floor in a fit of rage.