Republicans threaten to block 10 White House nominees over Medicare "gag order"

[Are_grits_groceries]

It’s no news that Republicans are up in arms over the recent White House decision to bar insurance companies from encouraging their customers to oppose the Democrats’ health reform plans. But today they upped the ante.

In a letter to the White House, Republican leaders have threatened to block confirmation of 10 White House nominees to various posts in the Health and Human Services Department unless the “gag-order” is rescinded. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reiterated that threat today on Fox News.

“None of those people will get through the Senate easily until they lift the gag order,” McConnell said. <...>

The ruckus began last week when the federal Medicare agency announced an investigation into Humana for letters the insurance giant had mailed to seniors warning that the Democrats’ health reform plans were threatening their private insurance coverage, called Medicare Advantage. The letters urged the seniors to contact their lawmakers opposing the legislation.

http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2009/09/republicans-threaten-to-block-10-wh.html

Somebody needs to look at the Senate rules and find a way to stop this or change the rules. I know they don't want to take away their own weapons, but the Rethugs are bringing everything that they can to a standstill.

AND the Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee needs to hold 24/7 meetings and get through the amendments or cut those jackasses off.

[T Wolf]

1. The pukes are already blocking every Obama judicial nominee - this is nothing new.

Just ram them through and ignore the enemy across the aisle. They only have power because the Dems give it to them.

[still_one]

2. Do what bush did, appoint them when Congress is not in full session /nt

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

3. Yep. They can all get in at Thanksgiving. nt

[LiberalAndProud]

4. Told to stop lieing, they resort to extortion.

So they intend to block nominees in retaliation for pretend transgressions. Petulant, spoiled children they are. Petulant, spoiled children they will appear to be. But the 20% will be mollified.

[msongs]

5. lol but Obama wants to be bipartisan with these people oh well nt