Roland Burris Won't Rule Out Filibuster Over Public Option

2 years ago

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Patricia Murphy

Capitol Hill Bureau Chief

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Roland Burris, the junior Democratic senator from Illinois, has been the Senate's most forceful defender of adding a public option to health care reform, stating clearly that he will not vote for a bill without a government-run insurance option.

Burris went one step further this morning in an appearance on C-SPAN's "Washington Journal," refusing to rule out a filibuster on the Senate floor if the public option is not included in a final health reform bill.

"I'm not getting into the process at this point or telegraphing my moves on the procedural matters," Burris told host Greta Wodele Brawner when she asked if he would block the bill from a final vote. "I have stated unequivocally that if the final bill does not have a strong public option that would allow individuals to have competition and to acquire health insurance, then I would not vote for that legislation."

Burris said his constituents have told him they want a public option and that he's been getting calls from around the country encouraging him not to back down. "They say, 'Whatever you do, Senator, stick to your position on the public option.' "

He added that he while is "not an obstructionist," the compromises that have been discussed by his colleagues, including a delayed trigger or state-level public options, are weakened and watered-down versions of the robust public option he plans to vote for. Although he would prefer a single-payer system, he said public option is "the next best choice."

The senator's hardening position puts Democratic leaders in a difficult spot as they search for a proposal that will satisfy liberals like Burris, who insist on a public option, and moderates like Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), who have raised objections to the cost and scope of a government-run option.

Burris' new-found influence also shows the sheer power that even one senator can wield when the Democrats have no margin for error in their search for a 60-vote majority on any issue.

Filed Under: Senate, Democrats, Health Care, The Capitolist

Tagged: daily guidance, DailyGuidance, roland burris, RolandBurris

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