Single-Payer’s Last Stand?

Single-Payer’s Last Stand?

 

The Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus in Congress with 82 members–it dwarfs the often-hyped Blue Dog Democrats with its 52 yapping pups.

 

 

Yet the CPC has struggled to get the respect and attention it has strived for–prior to this Congress, it seemed like the mainstream media wouldn’t even refer to it by name, instead using vague descriptions like "the liberal wing of the party."

 

 

That’s because getting the talented but diverse Caucus to unite and show its legislative muscle has often been described–even by its own members–as herding cats.

 

Copy Link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
Bluesky
Pocket
Email

 

The Progressive Caucus (CPC) is the largest caucus in Congress with 82 members–it dwarfs the often-hyped Blue Dog Democrats with its 52 yapping pups.

 

 

Yet the CPC has struggled to get the respect and attention it has strived for–prior to this Congress, it seemed like the mainstream media wouldn’t even refer to it by name, instead using vague descriptions like "the liberal wing of the party."

 

 

That’s because getting the talented but diverse Caucus to unite and show its legislative muscle has often been described–even by its own members–as herding cats.

 

 

This might be the moment for the Caucus to change all that in dramatic fashion.

 

 

The House healthcare bill passed by just five votes–220 to 215. Surely the CPC’s 81 House votes (the 82nd member is a Senator, CPC founder Bernie Sanders) should be viewed as just as powerful as the votes of Ben Nelson or Joe Lieberman in the Senate.

 

 

But will a strong majority of the CPC unite around a single provision and insist that it be included in the final bill exchange for their support?

 

 

One item worth rallying around–and it hasn’t received a lot of attention–is waiver language that would permit states to implement alternatives to insurance market exchanges, including single-payer systems.

 

 

The Senate bill allows states to apply for such waivers in 2017, but that’s arguably too late. States would be required to establish (and invest in) the insurance market exchanges in 2014, making it difficult to develop and provide resources for any alternative model. The House bill doesn’t have any waiver language at all, though CPC members–including CPC co-chairs Raúl Grijalva and Lynn Woolsey, and Congressman Dennis Kucinich–fought successfully for similar language in the House Committee on Education and Labor version.

 

 

Canada’s healthcare system evolved from a program first established in Saskatchewan. Will states in the US have a similar opportunity to serve as incubators and prove that single-payer can provide comprehensive coverage and reduce costs? The CPC has the power to insist on it–if it chooses to do so.

 

Support independent journalism that exposes oligarchs and profiteers


Donald Trump’s cruel and chaotic second term is just getting started. In his first month back in office, Trump and his lackey Elon Musk (or is it the other way around?) have proven that nothing is safe from sacrifice at the altar of unchecked power and riches.

Only robust independent journalism can cut through the noise and offer clear-eyed reporting and analysis based on principle and conscience. That’s what The Nation has done for 160 years and that’s what we’re doing now.

Our independent journalism doesn’t allow injustice to go unnoticed or unchallenged—nor will we abandon hope for a better world. Our writers, editors, and fact-checkers are working relentlessly to keep you informed and empowered when so much of the media fails to do so out of credulity, fear, or fealty.

The Nation has seen unprecedented times before. We draw strength and guidance from our history of principled progressive journalism in times of crisis, and we are committed to continuing this legacy today.

We’re aiming to raise $25,000 during our Spring Fundraising Campaign to ensure that we have the resources to expose the oligarchs and profiteers attempting to loot our republic. Stand for bold independent journalism and donate to support The Nation today.

Onward,

Katrina vanden Heuvel

Editorial Director and Publisher, The Nation

Ad Policy
x