The only way it will get to a vote is if it is voted out of committee.
In this case, that would be the Ways and Means Committee.
If you look at the current list of cosponsors (now at 50, from the original 10), you will notice two things.
- A lot of the cosponsors are Kossacks.
- A lot of the Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee have yet to endorse this bill.
It's great that Alan Grayson has the support of fellow Kossacks in congress. (people like Donna Edwards, Anthony Weiner, Jared Polis, Carol Shea-Porter, Chellie Pingree, John Conyers, Jim McDermott, Janice Schakowsky, and others).
But the real votes we need to get right now belong to members of the Ways and Means Committee. Without their vote, this bill will die in committee.
We know we can't wait for "leadership" to tackle this for us. We have to do it ourselves. Now is the time to start dialing for dollars. To help you help Grayson help all of us, I have put together a hit list so we can whip this bill ourselves. Happy hunting...
Some Democratic members of the Ways and Means Committee have already endorsed the bill. I have noted them below so you can call and thank them.
When you contact the remaining Democrats, here is a proposed script you can use or modify as you see fit when you are talking to their legislative assistant for healthcare.
I've learned that Representative Alan Grayson has introduced a bill that would allow all Americans to buy into Medicare. It's HR4789. I'm calling to encourage the committe to act on this bill quickly so it comes to the floor. This bill is a very good thing and does not stand in the way of any other health care initiatives. Will Rep. [fill in the blank] vote it out of committee so it can be voted on by the full House? Will they cosponsor the legislation as well? (If not... why not?)
If the person you are speaking to is a legislative assistant, they will likely say they "need to study the bill". That is not necessarily a bad thing. The cost implications need to be considered. If you hit resistance like that, ask them if they will make this a priority and let them know you will be calling back as more information is developed to address any concerns they have.
Sander M. Levin, MI-12 Acting Chairman
Xavier Becerra, CA-31
Shelley Berkley, NV-01 Cosponsor
Earl Blumenauer, OR-03
Joseph Crowley, NY-07
Artur Davis, AL-07
Danny K. Davis, IL-07 Cosponsor
Lloyd Doggett, TX-25
Bob Etheridge, NC-02
Brian Higgins, NY-27
Ron Kind, WI-03
John B. Larson, CT-01
John Lewis, GA-05 Cosponsor
Jim McDermott, WA-07 Cosponsor
Kendrick Meek, FL-17
Richard E. Neal, MA-02
Bill Pascrell Jr., NJ-08
Earl Pomeroy, ND-at large
Charles B. Rangel, NY-15 Cosponsor
Linda T. Sanchez, CA-39
Allyson Y. Schwartz, PA-13
Fortney Pete Stark, CA-13
John S. Tanner, TN-08
Mike Thompson, CA-01
Chris Van Hollen, MD-08
John A. Yarmuth, KY-03
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UPDATE: Note to Mr. Grayson -- some estimates on the fiscal impact of this would do worlds of good in terms of overcoming initial resistance points. If for no other reason than dispensing with red herring arguments.