The lonesome Senator

“Is this bill all that I would want?” Ms. Snowe said. “Far from it. Is it all that it can be? No. But when history calls, history calls. And I happen to think that the consequences of inaction dictate the urgency of Congress to take every opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to solve the monumental issues of our time.”
Ms. Snowe’s remarks silenced the packed committee room, riveted colleagues and thrilled the White House. President Obama had sought her vote, hoping that she would break with Republican leaders and provide at least a veneer of bipartisanship to the bill, which he has declared his top domestic priority."

NY Times: Republican’s Vote Lifts a Health Bill, but Hurdles Remain, October 13, 2009

Und so lernt Europa den Namen einer republikanischen Senatorin aus Maine. Die Version des finance committees bietet keine public option an (und trotzdem gibt es nur eine einzige republikanische Stimme) - in den kommenden Monaten wird dann über eine Zusammenstellung aus den verschiedenen Versionen der vielen committees abgestimmt, dann gehts im Repräsentantenhaus weiter.

DerStandard: Finanzausschuss im Senat stimmt zu, 14. Oktober 2009
Die Presse: USA: "Meilenstein" für Obamas Gesundheitsreform, 14. Oktober 2009
Guardian: Senate finance committee votes to pass healthcare reform bill, October 13, 2009
Slate: Health Reform Clears Finance, October 13, 2009 (Real-time reporting)