There is a lot of debate going on right now on these boards about the current bill, what went right/wrong, and who is to blame/thank. I have certainly been involved in those debates and you can look up my point of view easily enough.
But I would like to echo people's calls to not give up and I hope we can all agree on one thing--let's fight to make this bill better right now!
The House of Representatives seems to be the place to put effectively pressure. I implore everyone to PLEASE CALL each of the congresswomen who have recently stood up and said they were not satisfied with the senate bill and let them know you support their attempts to improve the bill. And then call your own representative and let them know how you feel as well.
Calling is key. It is too late for email and calling is more effective. I had a good conversation with someone in Rep. Lee's office this afternoon and they seemed very happy to receive a supportive call. Leave a message if you have to. Try them in Washington and at their home offices (which I sometimes think is more effective anyways). Just let them know we support them and we want to see them fight for the health of the American people--they will be under tremendous pressure to back down, but if they can hold on, a critical mass could soon reached that insists on improving the bill.
PLEASE CALL!
**Congresswoman Barbara Lee:
Washington
(202) 225-2661
Oakland, CA office
(510) 763-0370
**Rep. Lynn Woolsey:
Washington
(202) 225-5161
San Rafael, CA office
(415) 507-9554
Santa Rosa, CA office
707-542-7182
**Rep. Louise Slaughter
Washington
(202) 225-3615
Buffalo, NY Office
(716) 853-5813
Niagara Falls, NY office
(716) 282-1274
You can read about Lee and Woolsey here
You can read more about Rep Slaughter here at CNN