Marathon Pundit: Fact Check: Durbin wrong--Reid health care bill not on internet 72 hours before vote

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Fact Check: Durbin wrong--Reid health care bill not on internet 72 hours before vote

Sen.Dick Durbin (D-IL), who nominally represents me in the U.S. Senate, has a problem with facts. The Senate Republican Communications Center gives us just the latest example.

FACT CHECK: “IT WILL BE ON THE INTERNET 72 HOURS”
Senator Wrongly Claims The Bill Will Be On The Internet For 72 Hours “Before We Take A Vote”

SEN. DICK DURBIN (D-IL): "The manager's amendment went on the Internet yesterday, and it's not a complete rewrite. It's 383 pages to 2,000, and it changes some sections for sure, but the amendment was put on the Internet yesterday. It will be on the Internet 72 hours before we take a vote." (ABC's "This Week," 12/20/09)

APPROXIMATELY 40 HOURS BETWEEN INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL AND THE VOTE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009: “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) this morning introduced a compromise health care reform proposal that would expand coverage to 94 percent of Americans and reduce the federal deficit by $130 billion over 10 years. The release of the 383-page manager’s amendment capped a frenzied rush this week to keep the health care bill on track.” (“Manager's Amendment,” Politico, 12/19/09)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1:00 AM: “Absent Any Unexpected Quirks, Mr. Reid Needs To Hold Five Votes Before He Can Get To A Final, Simple-Majority Vote On The Health Care Legislation: 1 A.M. MONDAY – To End Debate On ‘A Manager’s Package’ That Includes All The Latest Changes To The Bill. 60 Votes Required.” (“Harry Reid’s Six Votes To Christmas,” The New York Times’ “Prescriptions” Blog, 12/18/09)