On the recordMay 12, 2010
When we wrote the health care reform bill, we relied on the best experts we could find. We were dealing with one-sixth of the American economy, which is the sum total of the cost of health care in our Nation, and we did our very best to move forward. It would have been an easier task had we had the cooperation and joint efforts of the Republican side of the aisle, but they decided to step away and say no. At this point, we have over 100 nominations to the Obama administration for positions, large and small, that have been held up by the other side of the aisle. Overwhelmingly, these nominees have passed out of committee to the Senate floor with unanimous bipartisan votes or overwhelming bipartisan votes. They are not controversial. These men and women deserve an opportunity to have an up-or-down vote.
