This past week's Bad Legislation. They have been busy!!

[katinmn]

Recent Senate Votes

Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act - Vote Passed (65-31, 4 Not Voting)

This legislation would protect gun manufacturers and distributors from lawsuits stemming from the criminal use of their products.

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Recent House Votes

Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (263-165, 5 Not Voting)

This House bill would allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance.

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United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act - Vote Passed (255-168, 10 Not Voting)

U.S. businesses would be able to petition the government to impose duties on goods from China under this House-passed trade bill.

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Dominican Republic-CAFTA Implementation Act - Vote Passed (217-215, 2 Not Voting)

The House gave approval to an agreement intended to strengthen economic ties between the U.S. and Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

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Energy Policy Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (275-156, 3 Not Voting)

The House passed the conference report for this $12.3 billion energy bill intended to encourage energy conservation and production.

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HEALTH Act of 2005 - Vote Passed (230-194, 2 Present, 7 Not Voting)

This medical malpractice reform bill would limit non-economic damages, or "pain and suffering" damages, in malpractice lawsuits to $250,000.

[bloom]

1. It's interesting how they have such a positive spin on it all.

Now we need a list that says what they are really doing.

[samdogmom]

2. Why is the Small Business Health Fairness Act bad?

Am I missing something? Isn't is good to make health insurance more affordable for small businesses?

[katinmn]

5. Good for small businesses, very bad for employees

Bush/Rove, Frist, and small business lobbyists have been pressuring Congress to pass this bill since at least 2003.

On the surface it looks good.

It aims to provide small businesses with lower cost, bare bones health insurance for their employees through association health plans (AHPs). AHPs typically offer low monthly premiums and $1000-$2400 deductibles. That is not a good solution for low income people. This means they will be paying for virtually all office visits, diagnostic tests and medications out of their own pockets on top of the monthly premium which can be $125 for a single to considerably more for a family.

We need to increase access to affordable health care but this bill doesn't do it. People will continue to put off health care because they can't afford it.

Further, it exempts AHPs from state laws and regulations, eliminates some consumer protections, and will result in higher insurance costs for employees not covered by the new plans.

[samdogmom]

6. Thanks for the information.

I didn't know this.

[montanacowboy]

3. But the MSM tells us these are "VICTORIES"

and you may ask...Victories for WHO?

Victories for the American People? Since when has congress been concerned with the American People?

Victories for * and his crooked corporate fascist buddies and the stinkin lousy Democrats who continually enable this kind of rape to continue.

America - you are screwed

[jojo54]

4. The pain and suffering limit in medical malpractice just kills me.

:rofl: