Harry Reid's Mixed Messages on Baucus Health Care Proposal

Wednesday, 16 September 2009 16:24

As you know, the NRSC has for months pointed out Harry Reid’s pattern of saying one thing back home in Nevada versus something completely different back in Washington.

However, rarely, if ever, have we seen this as clearly as today.

In case you missed it, Senator Reid apparently issued two different press statements today regarding the Baucus health care proposal - with seemingly contrary messages -- one to Nevada reporters and one far different to the national press corps. Please see for yourself ...

REID STATEMENT TO THE NATIONAL PRESS

Washington, DC-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released the following statement today upon the release of the Finance Committee Health Insurance Bill mark:

"I appreciate Chairman Baucus’ hard work over the past several months. His proposal is another important piece to the puzzle and brings us a step closer to having a comprehensive health insurance reform bill on the Senate floor. There will be a healthy and vigorous debate in the Finance Committee as Senators work to strengthen this proposal. I look forward to working with Chairman Baucus and Senator Dodd as well as the White House in the coming weeks to forge a final Senate bill that lowers costs, improves quality, preserves choice and creates competition."

(http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/09/reid_thanks_baucus_recognizes_bill_will_change.php)

VERSUS

REID STATEMENT TO THE NEVADA PRESS

Washington, D.C. -- Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement regarding the draft health insurance reform proposal released by the Senate Finance Committee chairman this morning. The proposal in its current form would require Nevada to increase Medicaid spending by more than five percent at a time when the state’s budget is suffering. Committee Chair, Sen. Max Baucus of Montana committed to Reid that the formula will be changed before the bill is marked up in committee.

"While this draft bill is a good starting point, it needs improvement before it will work for Nevada. During this time of economic crisis, our state cannot afford to shoulder the second highest increase in Medicaid funding. I spoke to the Chair of the Finance Committee and he assured me that this bill will be improved for Nevada before he takes it to the committee for final mark-up next week. Let me be very clear, I will not bring a health insurance reform bill to the Senate floor that is not good for Nevada."

(http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/16/harry-reid-health-care-bill-wont-work-nevada/)

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