Why the Rush?

PPF.org has been wondering, “Why the rush,” on what the has been called the most important reform package of our generation.

Consider this:

The Senate health reform bill has been the pending business of the Senate since the last week of November — less than four weeks ago.

• The Senate started the amendment process two weeks ago.

• The Senate has had 21 amendments and motions — less than two a day.

Now let’s look at how the Senate has dealt with previous major legislation:

No Child Left Behind (2001)
• 21 session days or 7 weeks.
• Roll Call votes: 44
• Number of Amendments offered: 157

9/11 Commission/Homeland Security Act (2002)
• 19 session days over 7 weeks.
• Roll Call votes: 20
• Number of Amendments offered: 30

Energy Bill (2002):
• 21 session days over 8 weeks
• Number of Roll Call votes: 36
• Number of Amendments offered: 158