Grace-Marie Turner of the Galen Institute gives her closing arguments on why the House should reject the Senate health plan on Sunday. What would be the real cost to you and to the nation? How much power would the government really have over your health care? How would your medical experience change forever? What would happen to seniors living on Medicare? How quickly would we notice the effects of this plan?
Ten Pills and You’re Fine
The Capitol Steps recommend a few prescription drugs to help you cope with the latest twists and turns in the health care debate…actually they recommend all of them! Our guest is Steps star Elaina Newport.
We’ll See What Deals Are Made
The Senate side of Capitol Hill has been quiet this week – at least compared to the House. But if Democrats get the votes to pass the main bill, the so-called fixes head to the Senate for consideration. Those are the changes promised to House members for their votes on the main bill. So what kind of product would the Senate be dealing with? And just how big of a tax bill are Americans looking at? We ask Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe, who also explains why killing earmarks would only give President Obama more power.
Obamacare, the IRS and You
Texas Rep. Kevin Brady says the IRS is poised to hire more than 16,000 new agents if the Obama health plan is approved this weekend. Why? Because of all the new taxes you’ll be paying and all the new information you’ll have to give the government – including whether your health plan meets government standards. Brady also gives us a preview of his floor speech before Sunday’s vote and discusses the latest round of inside deals Democrats are making to secure enough votes for passage.
The News
The Congressional Budget Office says the Democratic health plan will save $130 billion in the next decade if approved. Republicans say Democrats are forcing projections based on bogus premises. A new study shows we could see a massive doctor shortage if this passes.
CBO Health Estimate ‘Laughable’
New Jersey Rep. Scott Garrett, a member of the House Budget Committee, discusses the new CBO estimate claiming the Democratic health plan will reduce deficits over the next 10 years. Garrett says accounting gimmicks are leading to very misleading numbers, and Democrats have no concern over huge deficits. Garrett also says the ‘deem and pass’ strategy is unconstitutional.
Docs to Quit if Obamacare Passes
If the president gets his way on Democratic health care legislation, many of America’s doctors will close up shop. A new survey shows that 46 percent of practicing physicians will either quit or seriously consider it. Why? What new policies will make practicing medicine too costly and burdensome to continue? What will that mean for access to care with millions more looking for doctors? We ask Matt Patterson of the National Center for Public Policy Research. His latest report is entitled “Obamacare Would Drive Doctors Out of Business”.
Obamacare Will Not Pass
The final House vote on health care legislation – or what will be the closest thing to a final vote – is apparently set for Sunday afternoon. What will happen? Will a favorable CBO score push Democrats over the finish line? Will pro-life Democrats kill the bill? We ask John Gizzi of Human Events and get his thoughts on the souring U.S. relations with Israel.
Iran, Al Qaeda Alliance Growing
In testimony this week, Gen. David Petraeus discussed the growing bond between Iran and Al Qaeda. How significant is this? Why are radical Shia and Sunni forces working together? How much urgency does this bring to the Iranian nuclear question? How close are the Iranians to having nukes? And what is really the best way to stop them? We ask retired U.S. Navy Capt. Chuck Nash.
The News
Democrats pick up another vote for health care legislation as Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich announces his support for the bill despite having nothing good to say about it. GOP says many Democrats remain on the fence because leaders can’t get a good CBO score. Conservatives also say Pelosi’s greatest fear is members going home for Easter break and facing the wrath of voters before the vote.