HR 676: The US National Health Insurance Act

Image from The People's Voice

There has been a lot of arguing about the national health care reform bill going through Congress. On one side, you have Democrats who by and large support the bill, but can't usually clearly express something to the public. On the other side, you have Republicans who are to a man or woman are against the thing, and use Frank Luntz's code words to argue their points. And in the middle, you have "Blue Dog" Democrats who are contrarians and/or in bed with various health care lobbies.

Wherever you fall, you might want to do yourself a favor and read the thing. It looks pretty damned good to me. I can't imagine not wanting this after reading it. Unless I worked for a big insurance company, I suppose. But there even seems to be a little something-something for them in there. I'm on board. Take a look. . .

[Excerpt]

Benefits and portability

(a) In general.—The health insurance benefits under this Act cover all medically necessary services, including at least the following:

(1) Primary care and prevention.

(2) Inpatient care.

(3) Outpatient care.

(4) Emergency care.

(5) Prescription drugs.

(6) Durable medical equipment.

(7) Long term care.

(8) Mental health services.

(9) The full scope of dental services (other than cosmetic dentistry).

(10) Substance abuse treatment services.

(11) Chiropractic services.

(12) Basic vision care and vision correction (other than laser vision correction for cosmetic purposes).

(13) Hearing services, including coverage of hearing aids.

(b) Portability.—Such benefits are available through any licensed health care clinician anywhere in the United States that is legally qualified to provide the benefits.

(c) No cost-sharing.—No deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or other cost-sharing shall be imposed with respect to covered benefits.

Read it all at: John Conyers for Congress

Karl Rove's Subpoena Date Delayed

Image from source, Raw Story

There are a couple of ways to view this news. The cynic in me says, "Dammit, John Conyers! Why would you afford this scumbag and respect or consideration?" The reluctant optimist in me says, "Oh, hey, Karl Rove might actually be scared if he's trying to reschedule!"

Karl Rove has already said he intends to ignore the Congressional subpoena. That is something--executive privilege or not--that you are not supposed to be able to do. But the Congress allowed him to get away with it before, so why not try it? Unfortunately for Rove, there is a lot more chatter about it this time, and some members of Congress are already threatening jail time. And would a man unconcerned with that, care enough to change the date?

[Excerpt]

Conyers defers subpoena showdown with Rove

House Judiciary Committee Chair John Conyers has agreed to a request from Karl Rove's lawyer to delay the deadline by which Rove must appear in response to a subpoena from his committee. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Keith Olbermann and John Dean Discuss Karl Rove Subpoena

I apologize for the slim number of posts lately. In addition to lots of household projects, I also have an increased workload at my real job. It's a welcome development, especially in this economy. But it do make a blogger tired! Still, there are things going on.

And the one news item that gets my political juices flowing is John Conyers re-subpoenaing of Karl Rove. I still worry that I'm getting my hopes up, only to see them dashed again. But hope, I do. Here is a discussion on the subject by Keith Olbermann and John Dean. And if they're right, this could set up a "domino effect" of other Bush Administration officials being forced to testify. Oh please, oh please. . .

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

John Conyers Subpoenas Karl Rove Again!

Image from source, Raw Story

Every time I'm ready to believe that the whole Bush Administration is just going to bloody well get away with everything, I get a new glimmer of hope that justice is going to be served. John Conyers has once again provided that hope, but he's been known to pull the rug out from under me before.

Dare I hope?

[Excerpt]

Invoking Obama, House Judiciary Chairman subpoenas Rove

Invoking President Barack Obama, House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) has subpoenaed former Bush Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove about his alleged involved in the political prosecution of an Alabama governor and the firings of nine US Attorneys. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Conyers to Investigate Bush White House?

Photo from Raw Story

Well, I wasn't lit on fire by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's promise to investigate the Bush Administration's various abuses of power. Much as I like Whitehouse, I've just been let down too many times over the last couple of years. But now, Congressman John Conyers is getting in on the action? Sure, he's let us down before too, but it's nice to know that something is going on in both houses!

[Excerpt]

Conyers publishes massive report on 'Imperial Presidency'
Report demands investigation of Bush administration's abuses of power

Everyone wants to know: will Obama order investigations into the Bush administration's abuses of power? But, perhaps the new question should be: if he doesn't, who will?House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) is at least going to try. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Conyers: We'll Talk About Impeachment, Do Nothing

Dennis Kucinich, photo from source, Raw Story

Most political junkies (like me) have their "heroes" in the Congress. Most of them you'd sooner see as greeters in a Wal-Mart, but there are the good ones you try to give the benefit of the doubt. For me, some of the good ones are Russ Feingold, Charlie Rangel, Henry Waxman, and John Conyers. Conyers in particular talks tough about all the things that liberal lefty moonbat bloggers like me care about most.

But he has a disturbing pattern of charging ahead like a [fill in the name of whatever football position runs with the ball], only to come to a screeching halt. He drops the ball, and moves on to the next big issue. It's enormously frustrating. Case in point, he will hear Dennis Kucinich's motion to impeach President Bush. He'll talk about it. But he isn't going to do anything about it, no matter what is discussed. Huh?

[Excerpt]

Conyers may hold hearings, but plans no action on impeachment

All Rep. Dennis Kucinich wants is a chance to present his case. The Ohio Democrat has made a crusade of his efforts to impeach George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, only to be ignored and ridiculed by many of his fellow lawmakers. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Rove Refuses to Testify; Conyers Gives Him TIME?

Photo from PhotoBucket

This blog makes no pretense at being "fair and balanced," though I do think I'm generally fair. But since I'm not a journalist, I don't have to be objective. So I can say Karl Rove is an obnoxious pig. What's more, I can prove it!

Rove has been subpoenaed by Congress. He was supposed to appear before a Congressional panel today. And he just didn't show up. Because he's an obnoxious pig. There, see? Anyway, I'm really, really hoping to have the picture in this post come true. And while I'm trying to give Congressman John Conyers the benefit of the doubt, I am not encouraged by a further extension given to Rove to give him one last chance. . .

[Excerpt]

Rove refuses subpoena, leaves country

Update: Conyers gives Rove 5 days to comply before pursuing 'all available options'

Former White House adviser Karl Rove has ignored a subpoena from congressional Democrats to testify about allegations of political pressure at the Justice Department and his alleged role in the prosecution of a former governor of Alabama. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

More on John Conyers and Karl Rove

Photo from source, Raw Story

Slowly (way too slowly for me), Congressman John Conyers has been tightening the screws on Karl Rove. He's a slippery critter (for some reason, a greased pig comes to mind), so let's hope he gets those lock-tight screws!

[Excerpt]

Conyers: Rove must testify or risk contempt

. . ."We want to make clear that the Subcommittee will convene as scheduled and expects Mr. Rove to appear, and that a refusal to appear in violation of the subpoena could subject Mr. Rove to contempt proceedings, including statutory contempt under federal law and proceedings under the inherent contempt authority of the House of Representatives," wrote Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-CA) and Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA), chair of an administrative law subcommittee.. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

John Conyers Insists: Karl Rove Must Testify

Image from source, Raw Story

One of my favorite politicians is still on the warpath against one of my very least favorite politicians. I'm still trying to keep a lid on my dream of Rove frog-marching out of the FOX "News" studios, shackles at the ankles and wrists, sobbing while he. . . Whoops! Lid came off! Oh well.

[Excerpt]

Conyers reemphasizes subpoena threat for Rove testimony

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers restated his demand that Karl Rove, a former top aide to Presdient Bush, testify next month about his alleged involvement in politicizing the Justice Department, particularly in the prosecution of a former Democratic governor in Alabama. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

Karl Rove Subpoenaed!!! Frog-march Clock Starts

Photo from source, Raw Story

I've been covering Congressman John Conyers' attempts to question Karl Rove for some time. And I've long held a dream that Rove be held accountable for his many, many crimes against America. All while Rove quietly slunk out of the White House, and over to FOX "News" (essentially a job transfer), to become a highly lauded (by FOXbots) political commentator.

There is frankly to much sleaze to wade through about Rove, if you don't know much about him. Go to the library and borrow Bush's Brain, which will bring you up to speed. Suffice it to say, liberals who follow politics, like me, would rather see Rove skewered than just about any other Bush Administration member, with the possible exceptions of Dick Cheney and George W. Bush himself.

Go get him, Mr. Conyers, you're our only hope!

[Excerpt]

Conyers subpoenas Karl Rove over Justice Department scandal

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) issued a subpoena Thursday to former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove for testimony about politicization of the Department of Justice (DOJ), including the case of former Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, who was jailed for bribery in what was widely seen as a political prosecution. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

John Conyers Wants to do What to Karl Rove?

Photo from source, Think Progress

If there is one thing I cannot resist, it is a catchy headline that doubles as wish-fulfillment. Here it is:

[Excerpt]

Conyers: ‘Someone’s got to kick Rove’s ass.’

Just off the House floor today, the Crypt overheard House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers tell two other people: “We’re closing in on Rove. Someone’s got to kick his ass. . .”

Read more at: Think Progress

Bush Administration Fighting John Conyers

Photo from source, TPM Muckraker

Earlier this week, I posted an excerpt from a story about Congressman John Conyers, and his threat to subpoena Bush Administration officials about the torture memos. As you might expect, The Decider's flying monkeys are flapping and screeching, and they have no intention of cooperating. Get 'em, John. . .please?

[Excerpt]

Administration Officials to Conyers: Catch Us if You Can

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) knew he was going to get a fight. And he's getting one. [snip]

Yesterday Conyers released some of the correspondence he's been having with lawyers for Addington, Yoo, and Ashcroft. As expected, none of them want to testify, and they're not short on reasons. . .

Read more at: TPM Muckraker

John Conyers Threatens Torture Memo Subpoenas

Photo from source, Raw Story

I know this stuff never seems to come to anything. I know that I keep getting my hopes up that somebody, somewhere in the Bush Administration will be held accountable for their actions. While my dreams may ultimately die (and just imagine what kind of precedent that would set), but I'm grateful that Congressman John Conyers is still in there trying. If nothing else, I hope he makes all concerned profoundly uncomfortable.

[Excerpt]

Conyers to torture memo author: Testify voluntarily or face subpoena

House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers has threatened to subpoena several former officials in the Bush administration if they do not agree to testify about their roles in the preparation of the so-called "torture memos" that authorized severe interrogation tactics in the war on terror. . .

Read more at: Raw Story

John Conyers on Restoring the Constitution

Photo from Raw Story

I just got a letter from Congressman John Conyers, and I had to share it on the blog. Of all the Bush administration scandals, the straw that broke the camel's back for me was the Contempt of Congress of Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolten (and Karl Rove, but we may have to wait a while longer for the great white whale). It was just galling that they could thumb their noses so brazenly at Congress, as though working in the Executive Branch insulates you from the rule of law.

So I covered the developments in this case yesterday (here, here and here), and I'm now featuring Conyers' personal account of the situation. Conyers is helping to restore my faith in Congress. Sure, my balloon could be popped, but right now it's still rising.

[Excerpt from letter]

"As the morning's papers covered this story, many of them recount the Judiciary Committee investigation that began a year ago. They talk of the fired U.S. Attorneys who testified, the thousands of pages of documents produced by the Department of Justice, and of the subpoenas ignored by the White House.

I hope that as you read those stories, you will remember that the path to today's contempt vote did not begin with just a subpoena, or a hearing, or even the firings in December, 2006."

Read the entire letter by clicking the link after CONTINUED.

John Conyers' Letter

A Good Day for the Constitution

Yesterday the House of Representatives took several historic steps towards protecting our system of checks and balances. First, by a vote of 223 to 32, the House passed resolutions referring criminal contempt citations for former White House Counsel Harriet Miers and White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten, as well as authorizing civil actions against them should the Justice Department refuse to prosecute. Second, we did not succumb to the White House political pressure concerning the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.

Yesterday's contempt vote upheld the simple Constitutional principle that no one is above the law. If an ordinary citizen could not ignore a subpoena without facing severe consequences, the same must hold true for the White House.

As the morning's papers covered this story, many of them recount the Judiciary Committee investigation that began a year ago. They talk of the fired U.S. Attorneys who testified, the thousands of pages of documents produced by the Department of Justice, and of the subpoenas ignored by the White House.

I hope that as you read those stories, you will remember that the path to today's contempt vote did not begin with just a subpoena, or a hearing, or even the firings in December, 2006. Rather, it began with the Bush Administration's politicization of Justice and its refusal to submit to congressional oversight. I commend my 232 colleagues who joined me in voting to hold the Bush White house accountable and who stood up for the rule of law.

I also want to commend the Democratic Leadership for standing up to the White House yesterday and refusing to succumb to political pressure concerning the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Last August we allowed ourselves to be jammed by the Senate and the White House. Yesterday, we stood up in the face of the pressure and let the President know that we intend to do our jobs as legislators and not hastily pass the flawed Senate bill with retroactive legal immunity for the telecommunications firms.

The White House, of course, has complained bitterly about the contempt vote as they have with many oversight actions Congress has taken. I have linked to some articles that show breadth of this bluster.

Much more remains to be done, but this week, we made real progress. With your help, we all made a difference, and the nation and our constitution are stronger for it. Thank you.

Thank you again for your continued support for a better democracy.

Your Friend, John Conyers, Jr.

More on Contempt of Congress Vote

Photo from source, Raw Story

Yes, this is three posts in a row on the same subject, but in the first of the bunch I used FOX "News" as a source. I think it's probably necessary to get a second source on the story, and Raw Story is always one of my favorites on political news.

Besides, I am politically invigorated by this story. It has been sooo long since we've had what appears to be so in line with what I've been hoping for from Congress. And it should be a no-lose issue. If Congress issues a subpoena for you to appear, you can't just say, "Oh really, I would go, but, I just don't feel like it. Sorry." It doesn't work that way! And what power would future Congressional subpoenas have if there was a loophole like that? So, I'm crossing my fingers, and hoping this is all as good as it appears to be.

[Excerpt]

House passes contempt citations for Bush aides

Republican walk-out to protest vote

Democrats passed contempt of Congress citations against two Bush administration figures Thursday after the charges had spent months in limbo.

On a vote of 223-to-32 House Democrats succeeded in passing the contempt charges against White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and former counsel Harriet Miers, after Republicans walked out in protest. [snip]

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer took the floor to rebut Boehner's actions, chastising the Republicans for voting en mass against a measure to give the House more time to work on updating the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. And he took aim at President Bush for trying to stoke national security fears to force quick action from the House. . .

Read more (it's good) at: Raw Story

Political Theater: Contempt Citations & Walkouts

Photo from TPM Muckraker

What a weird day in politics. For a change, however, it's mostly good news for Democrats. The House of Representatives finally did what we're asking them to: respect the Constitution and the rule of law, and go after those who don't.

They thwarted the President's dire threats, and did not knuckle under on the "Dissect Protect America Act," did not extend it, and did not add immunity to it. Then, as they prepared to finally hold Harriet Miers and Joshua Bolten in contempt of Congress for their refusal to respond to Congressional subpoenas, something truly odd happened.

Minority Leader John Boehner lead a "spontaneous" walk-out of the Republicans. Spontaneous is in quotes, because they exited to an area in front of the Capitol, already set up with a podium, microphones and reporters. Boehner gave a speech full of hoo-hah over security and terrorists, but clearly, he was really there to get the Republicans out of the chamber before the contempt vote. Which passed. Handily.

Of course, this could all come to naught. There may be some sort of back-room deal that lead to all of this theater. Or, the Democrats could act like that guy who boldly charges in front of you in traffic, only to lose all his nerve, and drive ten miles under the speed limit. They could cave later. My hope is that they feel a little puffed up, and continue in the vein they're in.

[Excerpt]

House Approves Contempt Citations for Miers, Bolten

The House voted Thursday to issue contempt citations for two presidential confidants on an almost completely party-line vote pushed by Democrats.

The White House said the Justice Department would not ask the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia to pursue the House contempt charges. However, the measure would allow the House to bring its own lawsuit on the matter. [snip]

The House supported the citations 223-32, with nearly all Democrats voting in favor of the resolution, and nearly all Republicans voting against. The vote count was suppressed after Republicans walked off the House floor in protest. . .

Read more (because I'm fair and balanced) at: FOX "News"

John Conyers Introduces Contempt Resolution

Photo from source, TPM Muckraker

Well, how do you do. The Senate is royally ticking me off these days, but my hopes have been lifted by the House of Representatives, where the telecom immunity thingy might be disposed of. Hey, at least they stood up to Bush, and that's something.

And now, finally, John Conyers is introducing a contempt resolution. What's that, you might ask? You may be forgiven, since it was so many scandals ago. Once upon a time, the Congress subpoenaed Harriet Miers and Josh Bolton to appear before Congress. They didn't show up. That's not legal, but they claimed "Executive Privilege," even though they are definitely not the President. Many liberals like myself have long worried that this would just be swept under the rug with the administration's other transgressions. And that must be one lumpy rug by now.

Anyway, not only have they introduced this resolution, they have also thought of a way around the AG's assertion that he will not follow through on it. Good on you, John Conyers! Now sink your teeth in, and don't let go.

[Excerpt]

Conyers Introduces Contempt Resolution, Call for Lawsuit against White House

As expected, things are finally moving forward in the House today to bring contempt resolutions against White House officials for ignoring Congressional subpoenas as part of the U.S. attorney firings investigation. . .

Read on (it's good) at: TPM Muckraker

Hope in the House for Striking of Telecom Immunity

While the Senate let us down today, by not striking the immunity provisions for telecom companies, there may be hope in the House of Representatives. I've put my hopes on John Conyers before--and he's let me down before, particularly regarding impeachment--but I'm hoping he's serious this time.

[Excerpt]

Chairman Conyers Writes to White House Counsel Fielding on Amnesty

In a letter to White House Counsel Fred Fielding today, Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers indicated that the secret documents recently provided by the White House do not justify the Senate amnesty provision. In addition, Chairman Conyers reiterated previous requests for additional information that the White House has not yet provided and requested declassification so that more information on this crucial issue may be provided to the American public. . .



Read more, with Conyers' letter, at: The Gavel

Conyers Not Happy with Justice Department

Photo from source, TPM Muckraker

You may have heard that the Justice Department has ordered an investigation of the CIA "torture tapes" destruction scandal. While that sounds like great news, it may not be as good as it was initially reported. Congressman John Conyers certainly thinks they could have done better.

[Excerpt]

Conyers "Disappointed" Mukasey Didn't Appoint Special Counsel for Tapes Probe

. . .While I certainly agree that these matters warrant an immediate criminal investigation, it is disappointing that the Attorney General has stepped outside the Justice Department’s own regulations and declined to appoint a more independent special counsel in this matter. Because of this action, the Congress and the American people will be denied – as they were in the Valerie Plame matter – any final report on the investigation. . .

Read more at: TPM Muckraker

Important Words from John Conyers on FISA Bill

Photo from Wikipedia

I'm going to shut up, and bring you this message word-for-word from Congressman John Conyers. It's important, so listen up!

The Senate will soon consider legislation addressing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). I emailed you about this issue recently responding to inaccuracies in the press about Democratic efforts to improve protection of civil liberties. I am writing you today to update you on the current state of the bill and to ask for your help.

One critical question being considered in the Senate's FISA bill is whether to offer telecom companies retroactive immunity for any actions they undertook in the wireless surveillance program. The Bush Administration has claimed that this is necessary for national security reasons, but I am skeptical.

If the Administration was serious about arguing for this immunity, I suspect they would take steps to demonstrate to Congress the extent of this surveillance program and what role the phone companies played. Yet they have refused to share even this information with the House. Clearly, it is a bit much to ask for immunity from prosecution without explaining why it is necessary.

Because of these reservations, the House-passed FISA bill did not include the immunity the president sought. In the Senate, however, it is becoming clear that a tough battle will now ensue over this provision. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut has been a vocal opponent of telecom immunity and has promised to filibuster any FISA legislation that includes this provision.

Senator Dodd needs your help right now. Please visit his site and lend your support to the filibuster now. Your help can make a difference at this important juncture.Thank you again for your continued support for a better democracy.

Your Friend, John Conyers, Jr.