Dems' Dirty Tactics on SCHIP

Well so much for a meaningful debate on a SCHIP compromise. From Congressman Kuhl:

There are two major problems with the Democratic leadership on today’s SCHIP vote

1. There will be 13 Southern California Representatives (9 Republican and 4 Democrats) absent from today’s SCHIP vote because they are where they should be – taking care of their family, friends, and neighbors during the horrific fires. Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA), Rules Committee Ranking Republican and Leader of the California GOP Congressional Delegation, was joined by several of his California colleagues in formally requesting of Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) that she delay any consideration of new S-CHIP legislation while members are in their districts dealing with devastating wildfires. In a letter to the Speaker, the California members said that members should not be forced to make a choice between an important vote like S-CHIP and being with their constituents in a time of need. The letter was delivered to Speaker Pelosi’s office amid reports that an S-CHIP vote would be held less than 24 hours after new legislation was shared with the minority.” To see the letter or to read more, click here.

2. The new version of the Democrats’ SCHIP bill, H.R. 3963, was reported out of the House Rules Committee at 11:25 p.m. last night under a closed rule. Which means that the Republicans did not get to view the 293- page bill until late last
night, let alone be part of the negotiations. We will not even have 24 hours to review the bill before we vote on it. Republicans have stated that we are willing to work together to reauthorize the SCHIP program but Democrats have refused our offer.

Interestingly enough, according to Nancy Pelosi in A New Direction for America: “Members should have at least 24 hours to examine bill and conference report text prior to floor consideration. Rules governing floor debate must be reported before 10 p.m. for a bill to be considered the following day.”