Baucus in a world by himself: releases bill with no support from anyone

[ProSense]

Sen. Baucus unveils health bill without Republicans

WASHINGTON (AP) — The chairman of the Finance Committee on Wednesday released the much-awaited Senate version of a health-system remake — a landmark $856 billion, 10-year measure that starts a rough ride through Congress without visible Republican backing for President Obama's top domestic priority

The bill by Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., would make major changes to the $2.5 trillion U.S. health care system, including requiring all individuals to purchase health care or pay a fine, and language prohibiting insurance company practices like charging more to people with more serious health problems.

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The bill fails to fulfill Obama's aim of creating a new government-run insurance plan — or option — to compete with the private market. It proposes instead a system of nonprofit member owned cooperatives, somewhat akin to electric co-ops that exist in many places around the U.S. That was one of many concessions meant to win over Republicans.

Baucus is still holding out hope for Republican support when his committee actually votes on the bill, probably as early as next week.

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Rockefeller on Baucus' bill: "There is no way in its present form that I will vote for it."

Kerry on Baucus' bill: "it’s not going to be the bill that we’re going to vote"

[quiet.american]

1. And Baucus took all summer to produce this worthless crap. Nice. nt

[David Zephyr]

2. He did what the insurance companies paid him to do: delay action to give the GOP time to kill it.

Baucus played Obama for a fool. Obama should be furious with this weasel.

[rhett o rick]

3. Bingo

[ProSense]

5. More like BS. n/t

[rhett o rick]

13. So you support Baucus? If so, plez explain why. nt

[ProSense]

4. "Baucus played Obama for a fool. "

Audacity or mendacity?

[RaleighNCDUer]

7. He probably is -

but with his perpetually cool demeanor, we'll never see it. I hope Baucus does, though.

[quiet.american]

8. Exactly. But I doubt that the prez didn't have Baucus' number on this one.

Coming out of the world of Chicago politics, there's just no way Obama should be surprised over this.

[Peacetrain]

6. Actually I think this works for us BIG TIME.. nothing to stop us now..

The Blue Dogs can go home to their red states and say, we tried.. the republicans would not give an inch..

And then slam down the PO

.

[Forkboy]

9. LOL...can't decide if that's totally funny or totally sad on his part.

[Yavin4]

10. I'd Like To Dedicate This To Senator Max Baucus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQWh2XTYZfg

[Vidar]

11. He's well paid by his owners.

[dionysus]

12. jesus, max brings the FAIL.