“There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” – Robert F. Kennedy
HR676, a.k.a. Medicare For All, is now co-sponsored by 114 House Democrats, leaving only 80 who do not. While most Democratic House members are on board, only three of MA’s nine reps are profiles in courage; the graphic below is out of date, but still correct for MA:
I know a bunch of people who’ve called Kennedy’s office, we’ve all received verbal shrugs – but I’m hopeful that he’ll rally to live up to his self-proclaimed Progressive label. I urge every BMG reader with a holdout to do their part to let their Rep know where we stand.
And I thank Elizabeth Warren for her outspokenness on this matter.
Please share widely!
Niki Tsongas said at a town hall meeting in response to a question/comment from me that she would be happy to vote for such a bill if it got to the floor.
Then why not co-sponsor it?
I don’t recall if she specifically addressed that, but I’ve never been convinced that co-sponsorship is for anything other than political show. People who actually work on the legislation should be listed as sponsors. For everyone else a promise to vote for it is good enough for me.
Legislative co-sponsorship is not just show. It is a powerful expression of solidarity to a common cause that often demonstrates political courage.
More circular logic from Christopher. Even if a co sponsorship doesn’t count as much as a sponsorship, it certainly counts more than a mere promise to vote on it eventually? And why can’t she sponsor it then if that’s what a really serious person does?
I’m certainly not going to complain if she does decide to cosponsor. It just feels like one of those excuses to claim someone isn’t truly with us and becomes another litmus test. AFAIK, the number of cosponsors means nothing in terms of the legislative progress a bill makes. For example, if the rule were that only bills with X number of co-sponsors shall be considered then it would mean something, but I’m pretty sure there’s no such rule. Not sure what circular logic you think I’m employing this time.