Associated Press:Senate Democratic leaders on Thursday abandoned plans for a vote on health care before Congress' August recess, dealing a blow to President Barack Obama's ambitious timetable to revamp the nation's $2.4 trillion system of medical care.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., delivered the official pronouncement on what had been expected for weeks, saying, "It's better to have a product based on quality and thoughtfulness rather than try to jam something through."
His words were a near-echo of Republicans who have criticized the rush to act on complex legislation that affects every American.
So who's behind this idiotic delay? You got it in one -- Max Baucus. "Reid said he had listened to the requests from senior Republicans working with Baucus to allow more time for a compromise to emerge," AP reports.
"The decision was made to give them more time and I don't think it's unreasonable," Reid said. Less stupid lawmakers disagree.
"[Baucus'] Finance Committee keeps dragging their feet and dragging their feet and dragging their feet," Sen. Tom Harkin told Iowa reporters. "It's time for them to fish or cut bait." Harkin's not the only dem fed up with Baucus. He's been dicking around trying to get GOP votes that won't be needed. Reid originally told Baucus to knock it off, but then backpedaled after realizing he'd actually exercised some leadership.
I think we should make sure there's some room for Max in that cannon with Harry.
