Did John Hall Flip Flop On Healthcare?

Nancy Pelosi Now Claims She Has the Votes to Pass a Government Takeover of the Health Care System, Is John Hall One of Her Silent Co-Conspirators?

Washington- After expressing serious concern over a government takeover of the health care industry, has John Hall suddenly changed his position? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) is suddenly claiming she has the votes. Pelosi stated today:

“I have no doubt we have the votes on the floor of the House to pass this legislation,” she said. She added that she wants to squeeze more cost savings out of the system before setting a surtax on wealthier Americans’ incomes. (Bloomberg, “Pelosi Says She Has Votes to Pass Health Care Overhaul in House,” 7/22/09)

“If John Hall is intent on changing his mind and voting for Nancy Pelosi’s government takeover of health care, then he will have to live with the political baggage that comes with it,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Not only will this massive expansion of government have devastating consequences on small businesses, it will do nothing to lower healthcare costs for middle-class families while running up an already massive deficit.”

With the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) stating that the Democrats’ government-run health care bill will increase costs, run up the deficit and raise taxes, John Hall’s constituents can only hope that he isn’t planning on supporting such a disastrous policy. Just recently Hall offered staunch criticism of socialized health care:

“Rep. John Hall, D-Dover, Dutchess County, has reservations about the tax component. ‘This is a bill that is still in a state of flux,’ Hall said, noting that he's working to make sure small businesses are not harmed.” (Brian Tumulty, “Health Plan Tax Meets Resistance,” Democrat And Chronicle, 7/20/09)

As many as 42 Democrats have already expressed deep concerns with Pelosi’s health care takeover. What exactly has changed for Democrats to radically reverse their positions on the issue? It certainly isn’t due to any major changes in the legislation. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill does not address the rising costs of care, and it is not paid for as President Obama and the Democratic leadership promised it would be.

"According to CBO's and JCT's assessment, enacting H.R. 3200 would result in a net increase in the federal budget deficit of $239 billion over the 2010-2019 period. That estimate reflects a projects 10-years cost of the bill's insurance coverage provisions of $1,042 billion ... It is important to note that the figures presented here do not represent a complete cost estimate ... They do no include certain costs that the government would incur to administer the proposed changes and the impact of the bill's provisions on other federal programs." (Congressional Budget Office, "Preliminary Analysis Of H.R. 3200, The America's Affordable Health Choices Act," Letter To Congressman Charles B. Rangel, 7/17/09)

As the health care debate continues, the focus should remain on Hall. Will he keep his word and vote no on socialized health care or will he fold to the pressure of his party bosses?