Cal
Since 2010
Sen. Tom Coburn has released his list of amendments to the reconciliation bill. Democrats will try to defeat all the amendments, if possible, to avoid another vote in the House.
But Republicans will make that goal as tough as possible.
So the first amendment Coburn is offering is pretty tough, politically, to disagree with.
It would ban the government from covering erectile dysfunction medication for sex offenders who get their insurance on the exchanges.
While banning the coverage of those drugs would save money, it would also create new policy. And under budget rules, would probably need 60 votes instead of the 51 usually required during budget reconciliation.
Either way, Democrats will probably have to plug their noses and vote against the amendment. Then theyll be on record with the vote.
You can imagine the campaign commercial cue scary music Politician X wants to give Viagra to sex offenders
The full list of Coburns amendments (hes only one Senator, expect many many more) is below, as released by his office:
1. No Erectile Dysfunction Drugs To Sex Offenders This amendment would enact recommendations from the Government Accountability Office to stop fraudulent payments for prescription drugs prescribed by dead providers or, to dead patients. This amendment also prohibits coverage of Viagra and other ED medications to convicted child molesters, rapists, and sex offenders, and prohibits coverage of abortion drugs. (Note: the creation of exchanges could allow sex offenders to receive taxpayer-funded Viagra and other ED drugs unless Congress expressly prohibits this action see additional background attached)
Health Reform and Viagra for Sex Offenders? - The Note
Why didn't Coburn put this up to a vote in the original bill/debate?
Why don't he intruduce a stand alone bill?
Because all he has in mind is to wreck any kind of Health reform..Too bad Senator, It's already been signed, sealed and delivered..All you're holding up is the fixes to those "Backroom deals" you all claim to hate.