Sam Johnson

Contact: McCall Avery/Jamie Corley 202-225-4201

Washington, Mar 31 -
It’s astounding how the Democrats in Washington have broken their promise to change Congress. Recently the President signed the most sweeping expansion of government-run healthcare into law. However, the law includes so much more than just healthcare; the new law is chalk full of political paybacks and back-scratching bonuses for well—connected constituencies and long-term allies. These sweetheart deals and political paybacks to garner votes have no business in the healthcare reform law.

You may remember that the U.S. Senate passed this flawed bill on Christmas Eve only after dozens of Senators cut special deals in exchange for their support. It’s just gross. What’s another phrase for hustling votes? Buying them.

The list of special deals in the healthcare bill is jaw-dropping. What’s even more breathtaking is that the Senators have shamelessly claimed credit for bringing home the bacon. Ironically, it’s their own constituents who are saying that they don’t want any part of these backroom deals.

The healthcare bill that the President signed into law on March 23rd included a $300 million Medicaid payout to Louisiana, designed to secure the vote of Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), dubbed the ‘Louisiana Purchase.’ In addition, Democrat Senator Ben Nelson received special treatment for his state with the so-called "Cornhusker Kickback" that carves out Nebraska from increased Medicaid costs – charging the taxpayer credit card $100 million.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) received "Gator Aid." The healthcare law cuts billions from the Medicare Advantage program – forcing millions of seniors out of their current health care plan. However, Senator Nelson negotiated a special deal included in the bill the President signed that protects only Florida seniors from these cuts.
Chris Dodd (D-CT) secured "The Dodd Clinic," the University of Connecticut hospital facility slated to receive $100 million at his request.

The "Hoffa Handout" defrays the medical costs for union members costing $5 billion.

Democrat Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon can take credit for the "Oregon Fail." The Senate health care bill imposes a new tax on employer-sponsored health plans. Yet Senator Merkley was able to secure a special deal for a constituency that worked like the dickens to get him elected. A provision of the new law shields longshoremen from the full impact of the new tax while the rest of America gets soaked.

Democrat Senators Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan can take credit for the "Favors for Fat Cats," a perk for their privileged and politically connected friends in their respective states. The healthcare law levies a new annual tax on health insurers. However, the healthcare bill that the President signed into law on March 23rd provides an exemption to a narrow group, solely exempting Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. That’s not right.

Democrat Senator Max Baucus of Montana fought to ensure special health coverage for miners in Libby, Montana with the "Coal Miner Carve-out."

Both of the Hawaiian Senators sought the "Hawaiian Handout" that reduces payments to hospitals for treating uninsured patients under the federal Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program. Hawaii’s two Democrat Senators inserted a special deal for their state hospitals. A section in the law shields Hawaiian facilities from proposed cuts in DSH payments was expanded at the minute to include Tennessee, coincidentally the same time that retiring Rep. Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.) announced he was switching his no vote to yes.

These are only the political paybacks that we know about. What else is in the 2,000 page, $2.6 trillion law?

Whether you agree or disagree with the healthcare reform law, it is clearly the most far-reaching piece of legislation that Congress has dealt with in decades. The White House and the Democrats in the House and Senate remade healthcare for every American by the slimmest of margins. By contrast, Social Security and Medicare were passed with bipartisan majorities in both Houses. Legislation with such an astounding impact should stand on its own merits, not on a foundation of shady backroom bargains, sweetheart deals, and vote buying. The American people want, need and deserve better.