Single Payer Gets A Vote - Thanks to Rep. Weiner. Pelosi promises up or down vote.

Single Payer Gets A Vote (Updated)
July 31, 2009
Anthony Weiner is about to be the new hero of the progressive crowd after getting a promise from Nancy Pelosi to debate — and vote — on a single-payer plan to solve health care reform.

Weiner got that promise after he agreed to withdraw an amendment to essentially create Medicare for the whole nation in the Energy and Commerce Committee health care markup session this evening.

The Brooklyn-Queens Rep. looked a little surprised when Chairman Henry Waxman said Pelosi would allow that vote, and made Waxman repeat the deal to be sure it was clear and on the record.

It’s an especially big deal for advocates of a single health care system — who see it as cheaper and simpler than the complicated measure being drawn up — because they have been complaining that they have not even been able to get an airing of their position.

And having the vote of the floor of the House will force members to declare a position, and bring much more attention to the idea.

Update: Weiner, who high-fived Tammy Baldwin after getting the deal, crows in a quick press release:

“It’s a Better Plan and now it’s on Center Stage,” says Weiner

Washington, DC - Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA), Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee announced today that Speaker Nancy Pelosi has pledged to give Single-Payer an up or down vote when healthcare reform is considered before year’s end.

Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY), Co-Chair of the Middle Class Caucus and member of the Energy & Commerce Committee who led the effort with Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA); Rep. Elliot Engel (D-NY); Rep. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-IL); Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL); and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), released the following statement:

“Single-payer is a better plan and now it is on center stage. Americans have a clear choice. Their Member of Congress will have a simpler, less expensive and smarter bill to choose. I am thrilled that the Speaker is giving us that choice.”

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2009/07/single-payer-gets-a-vote.html#ixzz0Mt5N9oC1

WOOT!

and skeptical...

K&R

I really am loving what I have seen of this guy so far.

I've been following him for a while and he kicks major ass! He's brilliant and tough, as you would expect from a Brooklynite!

Hard to argue with the $80-100 million he spends on his campaigns. I worked a little on Weiner's last campaign.

Thinks and talks fast, and education a real passion for him.

Now single payer is out there and ready to be voted on and we'll see how that goes.

:bounce:

I love love love this guy. And he's a young 'un who will be a bright and shining star of the party for a long time.

They will all be heroes if it passes!

Good for Doyle... he is from Pittsburgh. :)

happen today at the hearing. I have seen a few posts here, but most of them died from lack of replies. By the way - video section has the video of Weiner bringing up the amendment. This maybe a historic day. I remain hopeful. And watching that progressive caucus yesterday was great to see also.