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Subscribe to RSSThe Senate gets back to legislative business this week. On the floor, the Senate will debate the FAA reauthorization bill -- what Democratic leaders call "the first jobs bill" of the new Congress.
Supporters say the bill is designed to modernize the aviation industry with the "next generation" air traffic control system; improve commerce by reducing delays and congestion; and create jobs by funding the the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP) with $8-billion.
According to the American Association of Airport Executives, improving airport infrastructure with AIP funding could lead to the creation of 280,000 jobs. "If there were ever a jobs bill, this is it," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said today on a conference call with reporters.
On the heels of today's federal judge's ruling that the health-care law is unconstitutional, the Judiciary Committee will hold a previously scheduled hearing on "The Constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act." On Wednesday, the committee will hear testimony from experts and academics.
In a newser on Tuesday, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and John Barrasso introduce their bill which allows states to "opt-out" of the law's major provisions: the individual and employer mandates, and expansion of Medicaid.
There also will be two policy hearings on Iraq, with testimony from U.S. Ambassador James Jeffrey and the commander of U.S. Forces-Iraq, General Lloyd James Austin. They appear before Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, and Armed Services on Thursday.
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Since the corporate media won't bother to report this, I might as well repost it: There's nothing radical about regulating inactivity. The Founding Fathers did it two centuries ago. First, during the Washington administration, Congress passed a law requiring citizens were required to purchase muskets and ammunition. Then, during the Adams administration, Congressed passed a law requiring merchant seamen to purchase -- get what? -- HEALTH INSURANCE!!
Vinson, the judge who ruled that the law is supposedly unconstitutional, is just another Republican political hack in black robes, who rules whatever the far right wants him to rule. And if the Founding Fathers were OK with mandating that citizens purchase things, then the far right, which professes to worship them, should have no problem with it, either.
An article on the ancient health insurance mandate is at:
http://open.salon.com/blog/paul_j_orourke/2010/03/24/news_pres_signs_h-care_insurance_mandate-212_years_ago
So do you have your musket and ammo as required by law?
Great post, Houston!
It was pointed out to me recently that, within the first paragraph, the Constitution establihes promoting the general welfare:
And "welfare" is defined by Webster's as including "health" and "well-being".
So I'm not sure where the strict constitutionalists are getting their information or their interpretation.
Why Michelle (bat sh!t crazy) Bachmann comes to mind... lol
The online Webster's defines welfare as such:
Don't see health mentioned at all.
fielden,
While you got your Websters out, you might want to look up "promote", "require"....
Nevermind, you're a liberal - it means what ever you want it to mean.
Still can't find in the constitution any mention of allowing "mandates" just that congress can enact laws. Section 8 paragraph 1 seems to be the closest to any type of mandate in the following form...
Often wondered how mandating the collexction of SS was accomplished without violation of the US constittion. Now I understand. However, I can now also see how the mandate for individuals to be required to have health insurance or be fined for not having it can be seen as unconstitional. Amazing on how 44 words can explain something so clearly. To bad todays politicians can't write so clearly and succinctly today.
Houstons reference to requiring seamen to carry their own insurance is not borne by the source he referenced. After reading thru the legislation written at that time (from his link) I have seen no reference requiring the seaman to have individual insurance, just that a tax would be collected from the owners/masters based on the number of crew verified to be directed for the relief of sick and disabled seamen..
The law as written in the late 1700's and as posted in the ref link seems to meet the requirements of section 8, par 1.
In a newser on Tuesday, Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and John Barrasso introduce their bill which allows states to "opt-out" of the law's major provisions: the individual and employer mandates, and expansion of Medicaid.
It is not the states right to take away my right to purchase the gov't health insurance by 'opting out'. I agree that employers should be forced to buy health insurance for all of their employees or face a penalty. Everyone deserves to have good health insurance. Even part-time employees.
My former employer had a good plan. All the money they didn't pay towards my health insurance was put into my 401k every month. My wife's company had beeter coverage, so it was a nice bonus.
John, Tucson, Arizona: What on earth do you think "well being" means?
take your pick on what "well being" is...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Well-being
You can also take your pick on what welfare means as well
The real question is? Why does Sen Schumer not understand what are the three branches of government. Did this guy get his education certificate out a box of corn flakes? This is the kind of representatives we have in our government. Some are dumber than a box of rocks, others are criminals, liars and who knows what else.
Between Waters, Schumer, Rangel and other losers in Congress it is a wonder that anything ever gets accomplished. All they know is how to rip off the taxpayer and spend trillions on BS. Get rid of these losers.
Hmmmmm,,,,Care to tell us exactly what laws any of them have broken??
A 20 year IRS audit and total investigation Rangel turned up some sloppy paperwork and $10,000 owed in back taxes (including penalties) This is a pittance considering his income and could probably be found in a 20 year IRS audit of any local dogcatcher
With Waters they couldn't even find that much
Between the two of them we wasted almost $50 million on investigations and found,,,,,NOTHING except a lot of bad publicity for Democrats before an election
Republicans seem to be rallying around one single point, The insurance mandate,,,,,,,,,,,,OK, Let them opt out, But at the same time do not force the rest of the USA to subsidize their lack of insurance, FORCE them to pay cash at the time of treatment or forfeit that treatment, We'll still cover you as far a life threatening, But once you are stabilized,,,,,,Roll em out into the parking lot and walk away.
Bo-1925019,
Isn't that what you are arguing? Along with the arguement that "Republicans" are all rich and don't care about the middle class whatever that is, as well as mandating that they should be forced to pay cash for services which you insist should be given to the poor and downtrodden.... Forgive me in advance for saying that your focus is blinded by your party affilliation and your knee appears to be jerking in time with said party.