So, President Obama also plans to use reconciliation on his student loan plan

[babylonsister]

For some reason, this escaped me yesterday, but I say, "Go For It"! :applause:

Democrats Back Shortcut on Budget
As GOP Blasts Tactic, Obama Welcomes Fight on Health and Education Initiatives

By Lori Montgomery and Amit R. Paley
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday, April 25, 2009


Congressional Democrats have reached a tentative agreement to authorize use of a legislative shortcut to push President Obama's sweeping health and education initiatives through the Senate without Republican votes.

Republicans quickly blasted the deal on Obama's $3.5 trillion budget request, which is scheduled to be considered Monday by a House-Senate conference committee. But the victory appeared to energize the president, who within hours of the agreement issued a challenge to the "army of lobbyists" massing to defeat his plan to cut private banks out of the profitable student loan business and use the savings to expand college aid.

"They are gearing up for battle. So am I," Obama said yesterday at a White House event to tout his education plan. "They will fight for their special interests. I will fight for . . . American students and their families."

The procedural shortcut, known as reconciliation, would make it far easier to pass Obama's student loan plan-- which has drawn opposition from lawmakers in both parties -- as well as his proposal to expand health coverage for the uninsured. Reconciliation bills are tax or spending measures that cannot be blocked by filibuster, meaning the Senate needs only 51 votes to pass them instead of the usual 60. Democrats hold 58 Senate seats.

Supporters of Obama's agenda cheered the agreement. In a conference call with reporters, Education Secretary Arne Duncan called it "a very, very encouraging sign" that Congress will act to "transform the educational opportunities of millions of students for years to come."

Richard Hirsch, national campaign manager for the liberal group Health Care for America Now, added: "We cannot do the kind of reform that meets the needs if it's held hostage to people who don't have a vision for broad reform."

more...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/24/AR2009042403611.html

[saltpoint]

1. Grown-ups, good ones, are now in charge.

Let the Puke weasels howl.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

2. They were never going to co-operate anyway. Let them explain all their NO votes

in the election. They were gonna come up with betters plans. Oh, wait, they didn't.