Republicans fuss over reform

Could it be that the health care debate is finally coming to a close?

This might seem like wishful thinking, but recent developments in Congress might point to an end to this monstrous legislative battle. With the prospect of a reconciliation attempt looming ever-closer, reform seems to be approaching, as well.

Reconciliation is a legislative maneuver that allows Congress to pass budget bills more easily. Instead of the 60 votes needed in Senate to pass a budget bill, it would need a simple majority to pass if this method is used.

Republicans are doing everything they can to keep Democrats from using reconciliation, which is interesting considering they’ve used it more often than Democrats. Since 1974, there have been 22 reconciliation bills, 14 of which a Republican-controlled Congress initiated, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service.

Debate over the legitimacy of using this procedural maneuver has caused a feeding frenzy in Congress.

Democrats who once denounced use of reconciliation now defend it.

Likewise, Republicans who supported bypassing opposition with its use now accuse Democrats of “steamrolling” the bill through Congress.

“You can say that this process has been used before, and that would be right. But it’s never been used for anything like this,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.

Interestingly, health reform bills are exactly what reconciliation has been used for in the past. Reforms pertaining to health insurance, nursing home standards, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program have all been passed in this manner.

The Republicans have been asking to be ignored throughout the entire health care debate. Eyeing the 2010 midterm elections, the GOP has worked to disrupt debate at every turn. This might score them political points back home, but it does little in the way of actually helping the people of this country.

I applaud Democratic leaders for doing what they can to pass much-needed reforms. If reconciliation is the way to do it, I say go for it. It’s about time we actually do something about our failed health care system, with or without support from the Republicans.

Aside from the fact that health care reforms will make health insurance more accessible to millions of more Americans, Rush Limbaugh has said he will leave the country if it passes. Though I am reluctant to encourage the departure of such a valuable ally of the Democratic Party, I can’t help but relish the idea of never having to listen to his idiotic retorts again.

No matter how the bill passes, the American people will soon forget the usual rhetoric that Republicans have regurgitated throughout the debate. The need for reform far outweighs these empty threats.

“[Democrats] are going to have to live with it for the rest of their lives,” warned Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, last week.

After Democrats hang on to their majority in Congress and see the bill save millions of lives, living with reform should be pretty easy.

Eric Smith is a political science and public relations junior.