The Dempire Strikes Back – The Public Option Returns

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Over the weekend, Obama administration spokespersons including Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and President Obama himself, appeared to signal a a retreat on the public option.

There was gnashing of teeth and loud wailing from the base of the Democratic Party. The netroots went into action immediately to remind the President that he campaigned on the public option for health care reform.

On Saturday, the Arizona Democratic Party at its Summer meeting in Flagstaff, Arizona unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the public option. Healthcare-Final (2).doc The resolution was intended for Reps. Harry Mitchell and Ann Kirkpatrick who have not yet defined their positions. Rep. Gabriel Giffords has consistently said she supports a public option, but what public option is acceptable to her remains an open question.

On Monday, Former Democratic Party Chairman Dr. Howard Dean told NBC's "Today Show" that he believes a public option "is the entirety of health care reform; it's not the entirety of insurance reform."

A petition on his Web site StandWithDrDean.com reads, "A public option is the only way to guarantee health care for all Americans and its inclusion is non-negotiable." CNN.com

Rep. Raúl Grijalva is clear where he stands. He released the following press release on Monday:

Tucson, AZ—Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva, co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus issues the flowing statement concerning the  public option in the upcoming health care reform legislation:

"The public option is central to healthcare reform. Real reform, which lowers costs and ensures all Americans get the quality, affordable healthcare that they deserve, cannot be accomplished without a robust public option.  As we have stated repeatedly for months now, a majority of the members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus will oppose any healthcare reform legislation that does not include a robust public option.  Our position has not, and will not, change. As Co-Chair of the Progressive Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop comprehensive legislation that allows all Americans to choose the healthcare plan that’s right for them and their families. But I will not support any bill that does not include a public option."

The Progressive Caucus sent this letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius (h/t MNpublius.com):

August 17, 2009

The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201

Dear Secretary Sebelius,

We write to you concerning your recent comments about the public option in health insurance reform.

We stand in strong opposition to your statement that the public option is “not the essential element” of comprehensive reform. The opportunity to improve access to healthcare is a onetime opportunity. Americans deserve reform that is real-not smoke and mirrors. We cannot rely solely on the insurance companies’ good faith efforts to provide for our constituents. A robust public option is essential, if we are to ensure that all Americans can receive healthcare that is accessible, guaranteed and of high-quality.

To take the public option off the table would be a grave error; passage in the House of Representatives depends upon inclusion of it.

We have attached, for your review, a letter from 60 Members of Congress who are firm in their Position that any legislation that moves forward through both chambers, and into a final proposal for the President’s signature, MUST contain a public option.

Sincerely,

Raul Grijalva Co-Chair Congressional Progressive Caucus

Lynn Woolsey Co-Chair Congressional Progressive Caucus

Barbara Lee Co-Chair Congressional Black Caucus

Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) estimates there are 100 Members of Congress who agree with the position of this letter: they wll not vote for any bill that does not include a public option.

On Tuesday, the House Democratic Caucus meeting uniformly expressed support for a public health insurance option as part of comprehensive reform. Not a single member spoke up on behalf of co-ops, according to both people on the call and people briefed on it. House Dems Rally Behind Public Option In Weekly Caucus Gathering

One of the country's most prominent union officials warned that big labor may pull its support from Democrats who don't fight for the public option in health care reform. Labor Warns Dems: We'll Sit Out Election If You Oppose Public Plan Richard Trumka, the secretary-treasurer and likely next president of the AFL-CIO, said his federation is drawing a line in the sand when it comes to a public option in the health care bill. Lawmakers who don't support the provision, he said, shouldn't take anything for granted.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius walked back her controversial comments on health care reform in a speech on Tuesday. Sebelius Pushes Back: We Still Support The Public Option "All I can tell you is that Sunday must have been a very slow news day, because here's the bottom line: absolutely nothing has changed," she said. "We continue to support the public option that will help lower costs, give American consumers more choice and keep private insurers honest."

And the White House has also sought to reassure the Democratic Party base. Obama aide says president still favors public health plan:

"The president has always said that what is essential is that health insurance reform must lower costs, ensure that there are affordable options for all Americans, and it must increase choice and competition in the health insurance market," White House aide Linda Douglass said in a written statement.

"He believes the public option is the best way to achieve those goals."

The Rachel Maddow Show has more about The Dempire Strikes Back.