Action Alert: House Committee to Vote on Single-Payer
Healthcare-NOW! has received confirmation that, in a display of Congressional leadership, Congressman Anthony Weiner [NY 14], will introduce a single-payer amendment similar to HR 676 to the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s portion of the tri-committee healthcare legislation.
We need your help in telling members of the Energy and Commerce Committee that the people want single-payer now. It’s crucial for them to hear from you on this historic vote.
First, see if your Rep. is in the Energy and Commerce Committee here. (If not, call Chairman Henry Waxman at 202-225-3976)
Then, call the Congressional Switchboard at 800-473-6711 and ask to be connected to him/her. Ask to speak with the health legislative assistant. Say:
“Hello, My name is __________, and as your constituent, I urge the Representative to vote YES on Representative Anthony Weiner’s HR 676 amendment to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s healthcare bill.”
This is a historic vote on single-payer legislation in a committee of jurisdiction over healthcare reform. The amendment symbolizes the elimination of the for-profit health insurance companies from the health care system; replacing them with a publicly funded, privately delivered single-payer system that guarantees comprehensive health care for everyone in the United States.
This amendment shows that the grassroot support for single-payer is being heard. Let’s keep the pressure up on Congress. Join us on July 30th in DC for a national lobby day and rally.
Thanks for all that you do,
Healthcare-NOW! National Staff
As the chairperson, what is Henry Waxman’s role in advancing this amendment? What is the proper “ask” for the chairperson of the committee, as my representative is not a member of the commmittee.
I urge ALL Representatives to vote YES on Representative Anthony Weiner’s HR 676 amendment to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s healthcare bill.
The choice of “Public Option” does NOT suffice as everyone will be required to carry and pay for it, making it the same as automobile insurance. As a result, “Public Option” is NO option at all. Consequently, Single Payer is the ONLY viable option.
Having become a disabled person myself, I know first-hand how distressing it can be without a proper healthcare safety net. Accordingly, as an activist, I have personally campaigned for a long time to ensure healthcare for all.
It is appalling that this nation is the solitary industrialized nation on the planet that has no guaranteed healthcare coverage for its populace. Not only is it extremely unfair, but it shows a complete disregard by the government for the wellbeing and dignity of its people – especially, in this particular case, those unable to pay for healthcare themselves.
Therefore, Representative Anthony Weiner’s HR 676 amendment is a light at the end of the tunnel and for that I applaud him and his concern for those who have no voice. Thank you, Mr. Weiner!
I wasn’t able to get to my email today to make the call :/ And Waxman IS my representative. Can we get a news update on how the vote went?
I urge ALL Representatives to vote YES on Representative Anthony Weiner’s HR 676 amendment to the Energy and Commerce Committee’s healthcare bill.
The choice of “Public Option” does NOT suffice as everyone will be required to carry and pay for it, making it the same as automobile insurance. Therefore, “Public Option” is NO option at all. As a result, Single Payer is the ONLY viable option.
Having become a disabled person myself, I know first-hand how distressing it can be without a proper healthcare safety net. Accordingly, as an activist, I have personally campaigned for a long time to ensure healthcare for all.
It is appalling that this nation is the solitary industrialized nation on the planet that has no guaranteed healthcare coverage for its populace. Not only is it extremely unfair, but it shows a complete disregard by the government for the wellbeing and dignity of its people – especially, in this particular case, those unable to pay for healthcare themselves.
Therefore, Representative Anthony Weiner’s HR 676 amendment is a light at the end of the tunnel and for that I applaud him and his concern for those who have no voice. Thank you, Mr. Weiner!
Can you tell us what the content of the amendment is?
The amendment would basically replace the language of the House bill with single-payer legislation very similar to HR 676.
QUESTION: DID THE VOTE OCCUR OR CAN WE STILL CALL TODAY?
You still have time to make the call. I could happen today or Monday.
I called.
I shared with friends on facebook.
I posted on my blog.
Only other thing I can think to do is stand on the corner and let people use my phone to call their reps…
The vote is scheduled to be WEDNESDAY, JULY 22nd. SO call, write, fax NOW!
I missed all this. I must be too late. What happened?
This is so frustrating. I don’t understand the huge blind spot in the “it costs too much” headlights – we are paying outrageous fees now to insurance companies that are bargaining with our representatives for lifetime contracts and 0 competition!
I just checked the Committee’s web page. It shows that they are adjourned for today. I think this means that we have another day to make our voices heard.
The news today is talking a lot about mandates. That really burns me. Forcing the people to buy a for-profit product, thereby funding the corruption of our government by corporate lobbyists, is about as un-American as it gets!
The vote on the Weiner amendment hasn’t happened yet, so KEEP CALLING AND FAXING! The vote may happen Thursday.
Resources:
1. Easy, editable faxes are provided here: http://www.1payer.net/faxapp/senders/add/cid:22
2. A good overview of what’s going on here: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/44645
3. A “whip count” – who supports Weiner’s amendment, who doesn’t, who to call here: http://www.democrats.com/single-payer-committee-whip
Our fight for equal access to healthcare for all is about democracy, freedom, human rights, civil rights, and basic human decency.
KEEP CALLING AND FAXING!
Has this vote happened yet? Is it too late to call on Monday 7/27? I’m from Indiana and my Rep is not on the Energy and Finance committee, but several other Indiana Reps are on the committee. Does it make sense to call them as well as Waxman?
Call and fax everyone on the committee.
I can’t find any updates since Friday on whether he introduced the amendment or not.
I urge all congress persons to sign YES on single payer.
Today is September 28, only two more days remain. What has happened to Nancy Pelosi’s promised September vote on HR676? Does Healthcare-Now have an update?
We’re still waiting to hear too.