THE HEALTH CARE DEBATE COMES HOME
Contact your Members of Congress during Summer Recess
August marks the Congressional summer recess, a month-long vacation from the Hill when Members return home to their families, constituents and local offices. Without question, the issue of health reform--at the top of the legislative agenda in recent months--will come home with them. Both Chambers have labored extensively on reform legislation and will continue this work upon their return from summer recess. The National Council encourages Mobilizer readers to communicate with their elected representatives this month about the importance of health care reform for the vulnerable populations they serve.
HOT TOPIC: HEALTH CARE REFORM As Congress has drafted and redrafted reform legislation, lawmakers have been met by substantial opposition in Washington and their home districts from insurance industry trade groups and others opposed to meaningful reform. While at home, many Members anticipate extensive communication with their constituents in order to shape public opinion and build consensus for reform. Many have organized town hall meetings in order to address local concerns.
As has been reported extensively in the media, these forums often serve more as "battle grounds" between reform proponents and opponents and less as productive opportunities to shape public policy. Nonetheless, such public forums provide opportunities for advocates to ensure that the needs of people experiencing homelessness are understood by those voting on actual legislation.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN RECESS ENDS When Congress reconvenes in September, the Senate Committee on Finance is expected to release the details of its reform legislation and begin marking up the bill. In the House, Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY) will introduce an amendment before the full House of Representatives to remove the existing health plan delineated in America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) and replace it with the text of H.R. 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act or Expanded and Improved Medicare for All, which would implement a "single payer" financing mechanism by expanding the administratively efficient Medicare program.
Whatever the outcome in either Congressional chamber, stakeholders anticipate vigorous work to reconcile differences between the House and Senate before a bill is sent to the President.
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