Posts Tagged ‘Olympia Snowe’

Finally, the Senate has passed an extension of help for the unemployed. Republicans and Democrat-in-name-only Ben Nelson had come together to block the extension, which they were able to do in part because of the death of Senator Byrd.

After months of blocking aid to suffering Americans in the name of deficit reduction, at the expense of both American families and the actual economy, Republican Senators Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine finally joined Democrats in overcoming the filibuster. Now those in need can help both themselves and the economy. Let’s just hope in November when Republicans try and pretend they are there for the average, working man we all remember just how false that is.

Enjoy Inception, it’s amazing.

Adam Feser

Update – The Senate has included the public option with an opt-out clause in their bill. Public Option in Senate Bill

Democrats remain optimistic about the public option, and even John McCain accepts that it will pass. The main question now is what form it will take.

It is starting to seem likely that an opt-out clause will be included. This would allow states to opt out of the public option. Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE) seemed to favor this option. It is likely because this would allow him to appease both Democrats and his more conservative constituency.

It is also likely that there will eventually be a vote on the public option trigger based on economic conditions, which is an idea favored by the lone Republican that may vote in favor of the plan, Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Regardless of where you stand on the public option and which type you like, there are a lot of interesting possibilities and parliamentary maneuvers coming. Which plan would be the most likely to get sixty votes in the Senate? Just how badly do they want Snowe on board? Will Blue Dog Democrats in the House have a bigger say than the more liberal contingent? It will be interesting to see how this shapes up.

Enjoy the myriad possibilities.

Adam Feser