From the Senate Communications Center:
Last Minute Scramble Includes Drug Lobbyists Writing Final Language, Campaign Cash “Rewards” For Yes Votes, And Restoration Of The Backroom Deals
LOBBYISTS CRAFTING HEALTH BILL WITH DEMS
“Lobbyists Huddled With Democratic Staffers To Work Out A Fee Structure And Donut-Hole Fix That Wouldn’t Bust The $90-Billion Commitment They Made To Pay For Reform.” “The weekend included high drama for the drug industry as lobbyists huddled with Democratic staffers to work out a fee structure and donut-hole fix that wouldn’t bust the $90-billion commitment they made to pay for reform, industry sources said. Drug makers were asked to sign off on multiple solutions so that backup options were available should any of the fixes run into problems passing muster with the Senate parliamentarian.” (“Pulse,” Politico, 3/15/10)
“REWARDS” FOR YES VOTES INCLUDING “HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN CAMPAIGN FUNDS”
“Among The Rewards Obama Is Ready To Offer, White House Officials Said, Are Election-Year Visits To Competitive Congressional Districts, Where A Presidential Appearance Can Bring In Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars In Campaign Funds.” (“In St. Louis Area, Obama Pounds Drum For Health-Care Initiative,” The Washington Post, 3/11/10)
“The White House Has Signaled To Lawmakers That Assistance For Midterm Elections — For Example, Presidential Visits And Fund-Raisers — Will Be Prioritized For Those Who Support The Bill.” (“Millions Spent To Sway Democrats On Health Care,” The New York Times, 3/15/10)
“When It Comes To President Barack Obama's Health Care Reform Bill, U.S. Rep. Steve Driehaus' Vote Has Become A Hot Ticket. With A Vote On The Health Care Bill Likely This Month, The West Price Hill Democrat Will Be The Beneficiary Of A Fundraising Visit By Vice President Joe Biden On Monday.” (“Biden Visiting But Driehaus Unswayed,” The Cincinnati Enquirer, 3/14/10)
SPECIAL DEALS BACK IN
“To Retain Votes In The Senate, The White House Is Now Backing Away From Its Ban On Special Deals For Individual States, which was a promise the president made after the ‘Cornhusker Kickback’ was revealed -- giving Nebraska extra Medicaid money to win Sen. Ben Nelson's vote.” (“House Heads Toward Health Care Vote,” ABC News, 3/14/10)
“Deals Sought By Senators From Montana And Connecticut Would Be Fine — Even Though Gibbs Last Week Singled Them Out As Items Obama Wanted Removed.” “Axelrod also indicated the White House was backing down on an attempt to get senators to rid the legislation of a number of lawmakers' special deals. Taking a new position, he said the White House only objects to state-specific arrangements, such as an increase in Medicaid funding for Nebraska, ridiculed as the ‘Cornhusker Kickback.’ That's being cut, but provisions that could affect more than one state are OK, Axelrod said. That means deals sought by senators from Montana and Connecticut would be fine — even though Gibbs last week singled them out as items Obama wanted removed. There was resistance, however, from two powerful committee chairman, Democratic Sens. Max Baucus of Montana and Chris Dodd of Connecticut, and the White House has apparently backed down.” (“Dem House Vote-Counter Lacks Health Care Votes Now,” The Associated Press, 3/14/10)