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Quick Fact: Monica Crowley falsely claims "Republicans have been locked out" of health care debate "from the very beginning"

January 05, 2010 1:35 pm ET — 36 Comments

On Fox News' Happening Now, contributor Monica Crowley falsely claimed that "Republicans have been locked out" of the health care debate in the House and Senate "from the very beginning." In fact, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee and Senate Finance Committee bills contained nearly 200 Republican amendments.

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From the January 5 edition of Happening Now:

CROWLEY: The Republican Party put forward a long slate of [health care] reform initiatives from creating real competition by lowering the state-by-state barriers allowing these insurance companies to really compete in all 50 states, tort reform, there were a number of very significant reforms that the Republicans put forward that the Democrats just did not want to hear about. That's number 1. Number 2, the Republicans have been locked out of this process, the White House and on Capitol Hill from the very beginning.

FACT: Senate bills included numerous GOP amendments, reflected bipartisan meetings

Senate bills had numerous GOP amendments and reflected bipartisan meetings.  According to a HELP Committee document about bipartisan aspects of the health reform bill the committee passed July 15, the final bill included "161 Republican amendments," including "several amendments from Senators [Mike] Enzi [R-WY], [Tom] Coburn [R-OK], [Pat] Roberts [R-KS] and others [that] make certain that nothing in the legislation will allow for rationing of care," and reflected the efforts of "six bipartisan working groups" that "met a combined 72 times" in 2009 as well as "30 bipartisan hearings on health care reform" since 2007, half of which were held in 2009. [HELP Committee document, 7/09] And according to the Senate Finance Committee's document detailing the amendments to the Chairman's Mark considered, at least 13 amendments sponsored by one or more Republican senators were included in the bill.

— B.C.O.
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    • Author by southerngal (January 05, 2010 1:42 pm ET)
      5  
      Whiny Monica Crowley and whiny Republicans. Had they not gotten their a$$ kicked in the last election they wouldn't be shut out of anything, or so they claim. And if they would stop complaining for one minute about their bruised egos and take their proposals to the public then where they have an open unchallenged forum to do just that on Fox News.

      There is nothing more pathetic than whimpering, poor me politicians and their apologists.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by mari2jj (January 06, 2010 1:52 am ET)
           
        Actually Monica, our two Senators stated that Republicans chose NOT to cooperate with the health reform. Ummm, I think you just told a whopper.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by epkklk851 (January 05, 2010 1:43 pm ET)
      9  
      The Republicans haven't been locked out of the process so much as they have absented themselves from the process in the most high-handed of manners. They go to meetings, demand changes and they add amendments, and then they refuse to vote for any of it went given the chance. They seem to be enjoying being the party of no. They delight in going on TV and pouting about how they didn't get their way. They ran a loosing campaign. They lost 10 Senate seats and 35 House seats, and yet, they still think they should be the ones calling the shots and making the plays. They lost the ball and they lost the game. Standing their whining about how unfair it is because the Democrats won't let them take the people's ball and go home with it is a pretty vain and stupid game.
      Report Abuse
      • Author by DellDolly (January 05, 2010 2:01 pm ET)
        5  
        Republicans were incredibly dismissive of the minority party when Dems were in the minority. They now are demanding more power then they were ever willing to give to the Dems. As always, they're hypocrites.

        People in the news media should know that the Republicans 'claims' that they've been locked out are bogus. No legit news organization should forward such claims without pointing out that they're bogus.

        And look what Monica Crowley didn't do? She was on John McLaughlin's show this past weekend with his yearly recap and predictions show, and she kept spouting nonsense - she was actually much more offensive than Pat Buchanan in what she said! Eleanor Clift just shook her head and laughed at her a couple of times.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by epkklk851 (January 05, 2010 2:10 pm ET)
          2  
          Yes, I saw that, I also saw her on the previous weeks' show. Again, more nonsense from Creepy Crawley. I like good old Eleanor, she is the most reasonable and civil of the bunch. And I could have kissed Clarence Page when he called them "Teabaggers." I also agree with your assessment of Republican tactics. Clearly, they were spoiled brats when in power, and spoiled brats throwing a tantrum when not in power.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by peebs755 (January 05, 2010 1:46 pm ET)
      4  
      It must have been hard to have said that with a straight face.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by magnolialover (January 05, 2010 2:07 pm ET)
      3  
      Thing is, they weren't locked out, they locked themselves out by their own actions, as in, "NO NO NO NO!!" That's all they could say, so, F'em.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by wesley (January 05, 2010 2:07 pm ET)
      3 3
      -- The head of C-SPAN has implored Congress to open up the last leg of health care reform negotiations to the public, as top Democrats lay plans to hash out the final product among themselves...

      Congressional leaders, however, reportedly are expected to bypass the traditional conference committee process, in which lawmakers from both parties and chambers meet to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill. Instead, The Associated Press reports that top Democrats at the House, Senate and White House will figure out the final product in three-way talks before sending it back to both chambers for a final vote...

      "That's what I will do in bringing all parties together, not negotiating behind closed doors, but bringing all parties together, and broadcasting those negotiations on C-SPAN so that the American people can see what the choices are," Obama said at a debate against Hillary Clinton in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, 2008 --

      How 'bout it Mr.President...or is this just more validity for Politifact's determination that you should be called Pres.Half-True Obama?

      Report Abuse
      • Author by bintx (January 05, 2010 2:16 pm ET)
        9  
        You do realize that Obama can't do anything about this, right? Congress makes its own rules. The President is NOT the head of the Legislative Branch.

        From U.S. Constitution.com

        The President has several constitutional duties aside from the general "enforce the laws" duty. These are:

        * To be Commander in Chief of the military
        * To conduct foreign affairs
        * To negotiate treaties with other nations
        * To nominate members of the cabinet, judiciary, etc.
        * To review and sign or veto bills
        * To administer the laws of the nation
        * To issue pardons as he sees fit
        * To address the Congress from time to time to assess the state of the nation

        While the President(ANY president) may be the de facto head of his party . . . he really has no Constitutional authority over Congress except that listed above. Obama's campaign promise was, like most campaign promises of any candidate, exaggerated and pretty empty.

        Blame Congress [C-Span is] . . . their rules, their decision.
        Report Abuse
        • Author by southerngal (January 05, 2010 2:24 pm ET)
          2 7
          I don't buy that at all, besides the WH is involved in the three way talks. Also, why would Obama promise something so forcefully in the campaign that he has no control over? Nope, doesn't wash. Especially since he said this "That's what I will do in bringing all parties together"
          Report Abuse
          • Author by Conchobhar (January 05, 2010 3:02 pm ET)
            6  
            Personally, I found it frustrating that Obama tried for so long to bring the parties together, when the Republicans made it abundantly clear that they had no interest in bipartisanship. I would have liked him and the Dems to have bashed some Republican heads, quite frankly. (Figuratively speaking, of course.)
            Report Abuse
            • Author by epkklk851 (January 05, 2010 3:07 pm ET)
              5  
              Me, too!
              Report Abuse
            • Author by smarshall1432997 (January 05, 2010 6:25 pm ET)
              5  
              Remember too in May 2009 when Pres. Obama had a News Conference where top Republicans and Democrats came together to tackle some of our American issues? A majority of Americans were so impressed and thought, how great it was to see Pres. Obama working with both bodies of Congress to "finally" get things done. And then, Senator McCain stood up so tensely and from here we just knew the Republicans were "NOT" going to do this again. LOL.

              Anyways, the Republicans got together after this and "NO" became their talking points, debates, discussions, advice, and on and on for ANY and EVERY solution that Pres. Obama and the Democrats tried to fix for us Americans. Just unbelievable in how naive people can be, LOL.
              Report Abuse
          • Author by rsinebada7366 (January 06, 2010 6:18 pm ET)
               
            There we many, many open for viewing on C-Span hearings in both Senate and House. Did you watch them? Obama made no promise to televise reconciliation of those final manager's reports. That is never done. They will be debated as a final bill in both House and Senate. I suggest you watch that debate if you want more info.
            Report Abuse
        • Author by wesley (January 05, 2010 2:27 pm ET)
          2 3
          -- Obama's campaign promise was, like most campaign promises of any candidate, exaggerated and pretty empty -- bintx

          Agreed...it sure looks that way.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by mari2jj (January 06, 2010 2:01 am ET)
            1
          Anyway, what thinking person would invite our party members when all they have done was act like a hoard of obstructionists. No reason at all to invite a group who refused to even attend some sessions and all of them voted against the bill. None at all! Further, I for one am sick and tired of my own party on several issues. Most particularly on the health care issue. As an RN for many many years, I have seen the worst outcomes for people who had no insurance so they waited till the disease was far advanced before even getting any treatment. At that time, their problems were horribly expensive to treat and often, they lost their lives because of late treatment due to no insurance.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by TX (January 06, 2010 9:23 am ET)
          1  
          Thanks for the list of his duties...as far as I can tell he does all tasks poorly.

          Obama is just words written by someone else. The C-SPAN promise is just another lie that came out of his mouth.
          Report Abuse
          • Author by louee (January 06, 2010 5:00 pm ET)
               
            What b.s. The republicans are expert liars; they should be struck by lightning any time they try to lay such a claim on Obama. And if anyone could be said to have done all tasks poorly, it is that louse of a president GWB, as enabled by all you saps who consistently voted for the empty suit. Your sad attempt at criticism is a farce. You make me sick.
            Report Abuse
            • Author by TX (January 06, 2010 5:07 pm ET)
                 
              He's been in office for almost exactly a year now, why do Democrats continutally look backwards to blame people instead of the person who is in office now that is leading the country down a road of no return?
              Report Abuse
      • Author by southerngal (January 05, 2010 2:22 pm ET)
          2
        Thanks for the link Wesley. I hadn't seen that.
        Report Abuse
      • Author by edgewaterprog (January 05, 2010 3:32 pm ET)
           
        It is nice of you to bring this up Wesley. I hope you were as diligent in keeping track of the lies and exaggerations that the Republicans have issued in political campaigns.

        Thought so.....
        Report Abuse
      • Author by loumic4 (January 06, 2010 12:01 pm ET)
           
        I agree....transparency DOES NOT exist in this administration! C-SPAN is the ONLY watchdog The People have to provide them with the actual scenes taking place that will effect EVERY SINGLE American in this country. These people were voted in by the people of their states. The People have the RIGHT to hear their representatives discuss the issues and hear their opinion since they are suppose to be reflecting their State's welfare. TOO many closed door sessions - regardless of party. They are ALL acting like a bunch of school yard bullies and no matter whose ball it is - they all have to play TOGETHER! We are Nation of People not a Divided piece of property. We have become the laughing stock of the WORLD and our enemies are enjoying every single second of it!
        Report Abuse
      • Author by rsinebada7366 (January 06, 2010 6:15 pm ET)
           
        The bill coming out to Senate and House will be debated thoroughly in both chambers. I will need to pass both chambers. I suggest you watch the live coverage of those sessions on C-Span when it matters.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by dd1946 (January 05, 2010 2:26 pm ET)
         
      You know she doesn't really believe the crap she spouts and if she does it's from bleaching her hair so much... She's always good for a laugh on the McLaughlin Group.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by edgewaterprog (January 05, 2010 3:29 pm ET)
         
      How does she do the false righteous indignation thing so well? How deluded must a person be to do it?
      Report Abuse
    • Author by pros2pros2940 (January 05, 2010 4:50 pm ET)
      4 1
      I've stopped counting the number of right wing talkers that have made this claim, along with shameless republica congress persons.

      Some people don't know the difference between political rhectoric and FACTS
      Report Abuse
      • Author by southerngal (January 05, 2010 5:41 pm ET)
        1 4
        So when a politician makes an emphatic declaration on the campaign trail it is nothing but political rhetoric and we are not to call them on it later when they don't live up to it, is that about right?
        Report Abuse
        • Author by foghornleghorn (January 05, 2010 6:40 pm ET)
          2 1
          Campaigns are basically nothing but political rhethoric. Since the beginning of campaigns.

          Make a note of it. Please.
          Report Abuse
        • Author by louee (January 06, 2010 5:10 pm ET)
             
          You can do anything you want. But it would be an absurdity to invite republicans into the conference. Why bog down the discussions with those obstructionist creeps whose only desire is to have no bill at all? As to his emphatic declaration, it was Obama's wish to act in a bipartisan manner but the republicans have made it impossible for him. They have simply refused to participate in the governance of this nation because they're having a hissy fit that he won. They should all be thrown on the trash heap because that's what they are: useless pieces of garbage.
          Report Abuse
    • Author by Unreality (January 05, 2010 4:53 pm ET)
      7  
      Does the term "Gang of Six" come to mind? The Senate health care reform bill was written by three centrist Democrats, one centrist Republican, and two conservative Republicans, with help from another conservative Republican.

      So Mike Enzi, Chuck Grassley and Olympia Snowe don't have R's behind their names? Key members of the "Gang of Six." And until late July, Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) was in the room, too.

      Max Baucus, Jeff Bingaman and Kent Conrad round out the field as Democrats.

      I don't see a liberal or progressive the group, do you?
      Report Abuse
      • Author by thaneb (January 05, 2010 9:14 pm ET)
           
        Thanks for bringing up the gang of six. I was going to make this comment but having only submitted 20+ comments and keep getting "Because you have not posted enough comments yet..." I figured anything from me would just go into that hole. Very frustrating.
        Report Abuse
    • Author by ynotaskalice4649 (January 05, 2010 7:31 pm ET)
         
      Monica Crowley is just another blonde air-head. She says some of the most misleading things on the TV shows where she is a guest.
      I do hope he goes away soon. She isn't to be taken seriously.
      Report Abuse
    • Author by Romario (January 05, 2010 11:19 pm ET)
         
      Ah yes...the same Monica Crowley who last year claimed she had evidence that Candidate Obama was not African-American but actually an Arab who was hiding his true heritage?

      I'm sure SHE's reliable....pfft!
      Report Abuse
    • Author by TX (January 06, 2010 9:50 am ET)
         
      http://www.letthecamerasin.com/
      Report Abuse
    • Author by fantagor (January 06, 2010 4:21 pm ET)
         
      If her allegation were true, the bill would have passed and been signed by Obama in August of 2009. The stall tactics of the GOP and the Democrats' foolish decision to give the GOP a seat at the table are to blame for a slow-footed bill mired in the muck of a partisan campaign unheard of since the last time the Democrats tried to pass anything under Obama.

      The GOP should be repurposed as a collection of door stops, since obstruction is their chief reason for being.

      Randy
      Report Abuse
    • Author by rsinebada7366 (January 06, 2010 6:12 pm ET)
         
      I watched many, many of the health care hearings in both Senate and House hearings throughout their live coverage on C-span. GOP proposed many amendments. Most of them were only to obstruct or delay but they were debated and voted upon. Reid's reconciliation of the those committee manager's agreements is quite common. I have never seen it take place in public or on TV.
      Peg
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