Say Anything Blog

There were hints yesterday about having to postpone a vote, but that might have been a feint to dissuade opponents from last-minute opposition efforts.

    President Barack Obama is traveling to Capitol Hill on Saturday to try to close the sale on his signature health care overhaul, facing a make-or-break vote in the House certain to be seen as a test of his presidency.

  Obama scheduled a late-morning visit with House Democrats convening a rare Saturday session on legislation to remake the U.S. health care system, extending coverage to tens of millions now uninsured and banning insurance company practices such as denial of coverage based on pre-existing medical problems.

  Late Friday, House Democrats cleared an abortion-related impasse blocking a vote and officials expressed optimism they had finally lined up the support needed to pass Obama’s signature issue.

  Under the arrangement, Democratic Reps. Bart Stupak of Michigan, Brad Ellsworth of Indiana and other abortion opponents were promised an opportunity to insert tougher restrictions into the legislation during debate on the House floor.

  The leadership’s hope is that no matter how that vote turns out, Democrats on both sides of the abortion divide will then unite to give the health care bill a majority over unanimous Republican opposition.

  “We wish to maintain current law, which says no public funding for abortion,” Stupak said. “We are not writing a new federal abortion policy.”

No chance for the public to access the finalized bill online and read it.  No chance for those being asked to vote it in to law to read it and analyze it and seek out comment and guidance from their constituents.  Just a slammed-through vote, because Democrats can’t allow this ugly thing to hang out in public view any longer than necessary.

It’s said so often that it’s become cliche, but you can still make a difference with a phone call.  Given the short notice, calling Washington DC directly is probably the best tact.

Here’s the number: (202)224-3121.