Rep. Jan Schakowsky on passing health reform without Repubs: "If we have to, we will"

[ProSense]

Dems mull healthcare bill without GOP

By Jared Allen

<...>

“I think that at some point everyone’s going to see that the Republicans simply are not going to agree to any kind of healthcare reform that the insurance industry isn’t supporting and that, reluctantly, we’re going to have to do it without them,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

“If we have to, we will,” said Schakowsky, a chief deputy whip and the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus's healthcare task force.

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The large House majority means Democrats could lose dozens of votes in the chamber and still pass a bill without Republicans' support, but the situation is much more complicated in the Senate. Democrats hold a filibuster-proof 60 votes in that chamber, but health issues have kept two Democrats away from the House for much of the year, and some centrist Democratic senators may not support a healthcare bill that includes a public insurance option.

Even in the House, it may be difficult to pull together the Democratic votes necessary to move a bill that includes a public health insurance option, something that Schakowsky said is the goal of House Democrats.

“I believe what the Speaker has said — that we will pass a bill, that it will have a public health insurance option in it — and I think that we will be able to abide by the timetable that was originally set out, which would be that by October the House will have passed a bill and hopefully the Senate will as well,” Schakowsky said.

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[Turbineguy]

1. You have to...

[Cha]

4. THat's right 'cause the deadenders want stupidity

over People.

[yourout]

5. +1.....If more than 2 Republicans vote for it.......its probably garbage.

[Cha]

2. I like that Jan Schakowski..she has the right

attitude..not a loser bone in her body.

[liberalmuse]

3. Shut up and do it, then!

NOW.

[mopinko]

7. they aren't in session NOW.

jesus. bullies on both sides.

[Union Yes]

6. Shoulda been national headlines on Nov 5th, 2008.

[mopinko]

8. jan will be holding a town hall next monday.

i should be able to be there. maybe i will take a stab at live blogging.
she's the best, but she also has one of the best districts in the country. we are blue, blue, blue.