We’ve made it our aim to keep our agents– and anyone who follows our updates– informed about the many changes to health care legislation this year. We are so committed to this, we have even retained a health care reform attorney at Agent Link. We want you to know we will always be an advocate for good health care.
But there has been a noticeable lack in information from Congress recently. It’s something that should be discussed and shared.
Not Sharing the Latest Bill
Senate Republicans appear to be attempting to change large portions of healthcare legislation without any hearings or a formal, open drafting session. This is creating greater distrust in both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Republican Senator of Tennessee, Bob Corker, commented about this current situation, “The process is better if you do it in public, and people get buy-in along the way and understand what’s going on. Obviously, that’s not the route that is being taken.”
This would not be the first time this has happened. But with one of the more recent past examples of President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton, their privately assembled legislation did not withstand Congress once it received public attention. Drafting a bill in private may be common, but delaying to share the bill for debate and amending is not. The current bill is expected to go through an expedited procedure. Hopefully, it will not move too far without allowing for input and amendments.
Vigilance with the Legislative Process
Of course, everyone is tired of the long, drawn-out process for deciding what to do with the current health care system. But feelings of confusion or exhaustion should never excuse a disregard for the legislative process.
So far, Senate Republicans have not shared the recent enhancements they’ve made towards a reform bill. Many Senators have not seen or heard any details at all. It’s important for all American citizens to be aware of actions like this and to be informed of legislation changes, especially ones that will affect their daily lives.
To read more about this lack of openness concerning the current draft of the reform bill, you can view this New York Times article here. You can also view more of our blogs here. We will continue to do our best to keep you updated!
