Reply #110: You seem to not understand my use of the phrase "slipped in" ...

[JoePhilly]

The only reason there was a reconciliation approach to debate was that a bill with no PO had passed in the Senate. As I said, Liberman was never going to allow that to happen.

On March 21st, 3 months later, the House passed HR 3590 219 to 212. Why was this vote so close?

Because there was already an agreement that 4872 would not have the PO. If the PO had been added, 4872 would have failed. House Blue dogs might have let a PO get through under other circumstances ... but not under reconciliation. That is why HR 3590, with Senate Amendments, passes with such a small majority.

The passage of these two bills was a dance. The Dems were using reconciliation to get as much as they could given the opposition they faced.

Many of the Senate Dems might have been bought off ... feel free to investigate what was called the Corn Husker kick back used to get Ben nelson to play ball.

Most of the other Senate dems could also have been "worked".

But not Lieberman.

If Lieberman is willing to vote Yes on a PO, all the rest becomes moot. The original House bill 3590 would have had a PO, and the administration could work the other blue dogs in the Senate ... and Nancy would be able to gather sufficient support in the House.

But with Lieberman holding out in the Senate, House and Senate blue dogs had more cover. And they used it.