coburn coburn: coburn: i ass consent that the pending amendment be set aside and amendment2243 be called up. the presiding officer: without objection. the clerk will report. the clerk: the senator from observing oh, mr. coburn, proposes an amendment numbered 2243 to amendment number 1908. mr. coburn: i ask unanimous consent the amendment be cred cred as read. cred -- amendment be considered as red. read. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. coburn: madam president, i ask the pending amendment be set aside and amendment 4424 be called up. the presiding officer: without objection. the will report. the clerk: the senator from observing oh, mr. coburnings proposes an amendment numbered 22440 amendment number 1908. on page -- mr. coburn: i ask unanimous consent that that amendment be considered as read. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. coburn: i ask unanimous consent that the pending amendment be set aside and amendment 2245 be called u -- called up. the presiding officer: is there objection? seeing none. the clerk will report. the clerk: the senator from oklahoma, mr. c

coburn: mr.ident? the presiding officer: the senator from oklahoma. mr. coburn: i'm constantly amazed. we have three separate programs of which this administration says we don't need one penny from the department of agriculture for this. that's what they say. they say we have plenty of money in c.b.p. to do everything that's needed with the translator stations this year. we are 92% complete on everything that has been translated. but this is like every government program. they never die. not only do we have the department of commerce that's going to have additional funding this year for that very same thing, we have corporation for public broadcasting. the fact is, is they want it to go through the agriculture department because there's more control, we can direct it, we can have more control. we're in a crisis. we're going to have close to a $2 trillion deficit this year. and here we've got $4. million that our administration says isn't needed, absolutely is not needed, they want to get rid of i

. >> oklahoma republican senator and, doctor tom coburn strongly opposes a public option -- that is, a government-run health insurance plan. he says it will lead to rationing of care, so coburn has introduced an amendment saying if congress passes a public option, then all lawmakers would have to enroll, too. >> so that we feel the same effects of that plan as every other american that ends up in it. the data shows that 104 million americans will be end up in that plan. what is good for us ought to be good enough for everybody else. >> it brings to mind the old goose and gander adage but some democrats are crying foul, saying they don't like the coburn amendment because it suggests that the public option will be the only health insurance option and they say that premise is wrong. >> members of congress will very likely be in the same situation as every other american will be vis-a-vis the public option, i.e., they can choose it or not choose it, and so the idea that members of congress would be forced into it disrupts the whole notion that underlies it that this is a choice. >> other

and i know it's not and senator coburn, you didn't disappoint. thaw for coming on "the kudlow report." >> and looking at investments, what to buy and sell and even have a pullback and even talk about the kudlow caucus. i think my own caucus disagrees with me about cash for clunkers, most right thinking people do. i'm staying with this. i think it's good for consumer spirit and will work in a limited way. i think it might sell more cars and create a few more jobs and might increase tax revenues. and they will tell us whether we should go recovery cycle or -- and jim is the most bu bullish guy and when you ask him, the most bullish on the dow goi going. >> i'm sticking to my guns a little stimulus the right way to purchase these cars just for a few more weeks will help our whole consumer spirit psychic bull market recovery story. i'm larry kudlow. we'll be right back. rfr ecovery >>> it's time now for the kudlow caucus. i think the public likes the cash for clunkers program. i personally do. what does the caucus think? should the government refuel

coburn, we need help. my husband has traumatic brain injury and his health insurance will not cover him to eat and drink. and what i need to know is how you are going to help him where he can eat and drink? we left a nursing home, and they told us we're on our own. he left with a feeding tube. i have been working with him but i'm not a speech pathologist, a professional that takes six years for a masters and i'm trying to get him to eat and drink and speak again. >> well, i think first of all, yeah, we'll help. the first thing we'll do is see what we can do individually we can do to help you through our office. but the other thing that's missing in this debate is us as neighbors, helping people that need our help. you know, we tend to -- the idea that the government is the solution to our problems is an inaccurate -- a very inaccurate statement. >> senator coburn's office says they have followed up with that woman, that members of his staff are working with her. and we, of course, sincerely hope they can h

coburn.ough they've been going on for weeks, they're attracting lots and lots of people. what will be interesting to find out is what the tone of the town halls will be after the death of senator kennedy. kiran? >> you're right. jim acosta for us. thanks. >>> here's what's on the a.m. rundown. tropical storm dan nir gaining strength in the atlantic as it moves toward land. it could be a problem for the east coast this weekend. cape cod could be in its sights. rob marciano tracking the extreme weather for us. candy crowley tells us how with keptdy's passing, camelot could come to a throw. close. could they be inspired to reach across the aisle and get a health care reform bill passed? jessica yellin takes a look. achosi (announcer) what are you going to miss when you have an allergy attack? achoo! (announcer) benadryl is more effective than claritin at relieving your worst symptoms. and works when you need it most. benadryl. you can't pause life. special interest groups are trying to block pro

senator coburn, you are from oklahoma. when this element comes out in larger numbers because of this debate, what troubles you about that? >> i'm troubled any time when we stop having confidence in our government, but we've earned it. you know, this debate isn't about health care. health care is the symptom. the debate is an uncontrolled federal government that's going -- 50% of everything we're spending is for the next generation. >> hold a minute there. i'm talking about the tone, the violence against the government. >> the tone is based on fear of loss of control of their own government. what is the genesis behind people going to to such extreme statements? what is it? we have lost the confidence to a certain degree, and it's much worse than when tom was the leader of the senate. we have raised the question of whether or not we're legitimately thinking about the american people and their long-term best interest. that's the question. the mail volume didn't go up on the health care debate, it went up when we started spend

republican senator tom coburn of oklahoma, a member on health, educati education, labor, and pension. former senate majority leader demoat tom daschle, informal advisor to the white house, and author of "critical -- what we can do about the health care crisis". and rachael maddow, host of msnbc's "the rachael maddow show." plus, additional per specificives from around the country. bruce johnson, executive vice president of the chamber of commerce, and democratic governor bill ritter of colorado. >>> but first, making sense of health care reform for the entire hour. welcome to our panel here. you know, the president wrote on the op-ed page is that this is a great debate for america right now. we want a civil and informative debate which is what i think we'll have this morning. i want to talk in a few minutes about three major areas of the health care debate. i want to talk about the anger, emotion, fear that's out there. let me begin with you -- all of the town halls have to alter or derail the chance of reform this year? >> it's a good thing. it's drawn greater focus on the issue. pre

tom coburn.lping us this evening. >> glad to be with you, larry. >> look, let me go to the point. there's so much talk in the media, in the drudge report, in the newspapers that obama health care reform is going to be named kennedy care. i want to ask you this, senator kennedy from the liberal and the left was nonetheless known as an effective political deal maker and compromiser. he even had compromises with former president george w. bush as you know. i don't see any evidence so far that president obama or the leaders in congress are compromising what the republicans once did, so i ask you, sir, what has changed here besides trying to somehow have democrats exploit the sympathies and affection of the passing of senator kennedy? >> well, i think the problem from the start -- senator kennedy had been in charge of the bill we passed through the senate that no republicans voted for and all the democrats voted for in terms of the committee, would have been much different bill because of the one thin

coburn should be impeached. our winners the texas state school board.s the new school year begins from marshall to midland it will be mandatory that all texas public schools offer information in their curriculum about the bible. a law passed two years ago for implementation this school year. there it is. mandatory religious education in the public schools for believers, unbelievers, those of other faiths, believers who believe in the separation of church and state, doesn't matter. so this request to texas. please? the state school board there in the great theocratic nation of texas today's worst person in the world. frites perhaps a night at the theater with extra special seats additional hotel night, our treat your world in perfect harmony: priceless look for world on your mastercard to get rewards and offers that matter to you. ever wonder how cheez-it bakes... so much real cheese in such small bites? ♪ baking complete! well, now you know. cheez-it. the big cheese. i felt amazingly boxed in. (announcer) joe uses the contour meter from bayer. (joe) my

coburn should be impeached. our winners the texas state school board.r begins from marshall to midland it will be mandatory that all texas public schools offer information in their curriculum about the bible. a law passed two years ago for implementation this school year. there it is. mandatory religious education in the public schools for believers, unbelievers, those of other faiths, believers who believe in the separation of church and state, doesn't matter. so this request to texas. please? the state school board there in the great theocratic nation of texas today's worst person in the world. with an epa estimated 32 miles per gallon. and up to 600 miles between fill ups. it's the most fuel efficient crossover on the highway. better than honda cr-v, toyota rav4 and even the ford escape hybrid. the all new chevy equinox. express each one more with downy simple pleasures feel more calm with new downy lavender serenity feel more daring with spice blossom dare feel more elegant with orchid allure now all have renewing scent pearls that help you express

coburn should be impeached. our winners the texas state school board.the new school year begins from marshall to midland it will be mandatory that all texas public schools offer information in their curriculum about the bible. a law passed two years ago for implementation this school year. there it is. mandatory religious education in the public schools for believers, nonbelievers, those are other faiths, believers who believe in the separation of church and the state, doesn't matter. so this request to texas. please? the state school board there in the great theocratic nation of texas today's worst person in the world. try clearblue easy digital. no pregnancy test is more accurate. it's the first test with totally clear results in words. clearblue easy digital: results 5 days sooner. no test is more accurate. [ female announcer ] wishing for a baby? maximize your chances with clearblue fertility monitor. your wish can come true. so? mmmm ok. you were right. these healthy choice fresh mixer thingys, they taste fresh... say it again! what? say it like, "

coburn told us his office is getting her help in her community.aumatic brain injury. and his health insurance will not cover him to eat and drink. and what am i supposed to tell him? are you going to help him? >> first of all, yeah, we'll help. the first thing we'll see what we can do individually to help you. >> reporter: coburn told us his office is getting her help in her community, as it should be, he says. >> we've had several people call us and say they're willing to help her. citizens. and so, you know -- >> reporter: can you do that with millions of uninsured people in this country who are in the same boat? >> no, they're not in the same boat. don't exaggerate. >> reporter: millions of people -- >> are you going to let me answer that question? >> reporter: when you hear the personal stories, does it at all change your issue on this issue? >> no. >> reporter: coburn, too, said he is sick of the insurance companies. >> as a practicing physician who has experienced the experience of discrimination by insurance companies, not based on medical

. >> we heard senator coburn we got a list of cost overruns. something that happened just recently. when any of those apply in your agencies? anyone have you come any monday regis is? >> he mentioned the international space station. our contract with boeing. i believe he mentioned a contract back in 2004 and 2005 with the department of defense. >> did you come back to congress and get more money or shifted money around? >> i was not there, senator. >> i was not there during that time, either. >> a good time not to be there. how about you, mr. gunderson? >> i did not see here at dhs contact listed. >> i did not hear him mentioned doe. >> and you do not have cost overruns at your agencies? >> i am not saying that. >> he did not hear senator coburn say anyone. >> are right. >> call me allen. >> senator covering got a very well. -- senator covering guided very well. -- coburn got it very well. all the report of cost overruns and some of the items on the list had big numbers, many of those are as a result of program changes, schedule changes that the government makes, some are quantity c

coburn told us they are getting her help. >> my husband has traumatic brain injury. his health insurance will not cover him to eat and drink. and what i need to know is, are you going to help him? >> first of all, yeah, we will help. the first thing we will do is see what we can do to help you. >> reporter: he told us his office is getting her help in her community, as it should be, he said. >> we have had several people call us and say they are willing to help her, citizens. the question is -- >> can you do that with millions of uninsured people in this country that are in the same boat? >> they are not in the same boat. don't exaggerate. >> there aren't millions of people. >> are you going to ask me a question, let me answer it. >> when you hear those personal stories, does it at all change your position on this issue? >> no. >> reporter: coburn says he too is sick of the insurance companies. >> as a practicing physician who has experienced the discrimination of insurance companies based not on medical facts, never putting their hand on a patient, telling me what i

tom coburn, diagnosis, pronounced cardiac deficiency, or in layman's terms, he's utterly heartless. a constituent told him her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury. he's on a feeding tube. they have insurance. it will not cover trained help or a nursing home. you will her coburn respond that neighbors should help out, but not of course, via government, and his office will help, even though his office is the government. >> what i need to know is are you going to help me, when he can't eat and drink and he leaves a nursing home and they tell us we're on our home and i try to get him to eat and drink and i can't get him to eat and drink. >> well, i think first of all, yeah, we'll help. the first thing we'll do is see what we can do individually to help you through our office. but the other thing that's missing in this debate is us as neighbors helping people that need our help. you know, we tend to -- the idea that the government is a solution to our problems is an inaccurate, a very inaccurate statement. >> let's turn to chris hayes, washington editor of "the nation" magazine. ch

. >> that's senator tom coburn, the republican from oklahoma at a health care town hall yesterday.so make sure you stay tuned for that. >>> meantime, let's get over to carl who is standing by with some top stories of the morning. >> thanks very much. take a quick look at futures this morning. to begin with, pretty good picture shaping up after the dow put together three in a row. and futures are positive this morning, although you can see smuckers will be trading as well. federal reserve chairman bernanke will deliver some marks at the fed's annual symposium in jock son hole, wyoming, 10:00 a.m. eastern time, following a year of emergency measures to jumpstart the economy. he's expected to talk about the challenge of pulling back without disrupting a recovery. >>> j.m. smucker posting better than expected earnings, the maker of jellies, jams and jif peanut butter. gap, banana republic posted better than expected earnings despite a drop in sales. cost cutting was the key. >>> your tools of the trade, oil, gold, currencies, we've got it all as we get ready for the weekend. >>> let's

çgreta:ç senator tom coburn js us live. senator, is there something we can do to help this woman?o you respond to this? >> well, sure, we can help her, but, remember, the first obligation is for her neighbors and us to help her here in oklahoma, and we need reforms, and we are going to get reforms, but the answer is not having the government in control of those reforms, so she, immediately -- i invited her up to our office, and the case worker is working with her, and we will help her. one of the things that makes our country great is that we should be helping the people around us rather than transferring this to the government. the government is never compassionate, and that lady got everybody's heart, and they will help her. that is without a government program. greta: obviously, the word "lucky" is not be worth listening to this woman, but the fact that you had a town hall meeting gave her the opportunity to get the attention of you and everyone in the community, but there are a lot out there who cannot make it to your town hall meeting. they may live in the far regions of okla

the republicans know this is a popular program, but there are some republicans, tom coburn, who says is it really a wise idea for the administration, the country and the taxpayers to interest sent advise certain products over others? >> why not an increase in demand for boats? or how about r.v.'s? or how about refrigerators? they're more efficient. >> no money in the pipeline, shep, for refrigerator sales -- at least not yet. shepard: major garrett live at the white house. it was only a test, but it's giving us an inside look at how one of the nation's biggest cities guards against terror attacks. even the so-called worst-case scenario of a nuclear bomb. and we're getting new details tonight about the u.s. citizens charged with plotting jihad right here in america with another suspect still on the loose. that's next on "the fox report." dd quality and reliability... are more than words here. it's personal. i have diabetes. rodney's kid too. so we're so proud to manufacture... the accu-chek® aviva meters and test strips... here in the u.s.a. plus, we've proven you'll waste 50% fewer s

senator coburn, i think you talked about how you and senator sanders and i were among the people who said that these board fees were troublesome and to do something about them. i appreciate your leadership on this. i'm going to go ahead and yield. we are delighted that your boat here. -- that you are both here. >> i would like to commend you mr. chairman for holding this hearing today. the issue cannot be overstated, especially in these economically challenging times. it is more important than ever to end waste associated with federal contracting. we need to fully embrace transfer of practices that will ensure taxpayers that their money is when to be used for do use. i look forward to hearing about the award-fee contracts to ensure that this practice does not lend itself to wasteful spending. we needed to ensure that federal contractors receive payment only for the project that they are hired to complete. we cannot continue to use taxpayers' dollars to pay for work that does not meet contract requirements. i have a few questions in the q&a section. thank you. >> it is not your birthd

that following senator coburn's remarks, the senate then proceed to vote in relation to the coburn amendmentmber 2244 with no amendment in order to this -- to the amendment prior to the vote. further that upon disposition of amendment 2244, the senate then resume the following amendments with two minutes of debate prior to each vote. number 2245 and 2243. that no amendments be in order to either amendment prior to the vote and that no amendments be in order to any of the amendments listed here. the presiding officer: is there an objection? without objection, so ordered. mr. kohl: madam president, i have 10 unanimous consent requests for committees to meet during today's session of the senate. they have the approval of the majority and minority leaders. i ask unanimous consent that these requests be agreed to and that these requests be printed in the record. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. kohl: i suggest the absence of a quorum. i yield the floor. i'm sorry. the presiding officer: under the previous order the senate stands in recess until 2:15 p.m. >> how is c-span funded? >> i

a woman at the meeting hosted by oklahoma senator tom coburn asked for help for her husband.raumatic brain injury. she said the insurance company won't cover and give her assistance. jim acosta asked the senator, who is also a doctor, about plans to help the woman. that led to an exchange over the number of uninsured in the country. >> reporter: senator, i think i heard the local reporter there asking you about this, but what's being done to help the woman at the town hall meeting? >> well, everything we can, but, you know, she has a case file with us, and that's all confidential, so we can't speak to details of it. but we've had several people call us and say they're willing to help her. citizens, and so, you know, the question is -- >> reporter: can you do that with millions of uninsured people in this country who are in the same boat? >> yeah. no, they're not in the same boat. don't exaggerate, most people -- >> reporter: there aren't millions of people uninsured in this country? >> are you going to ask me a question or argue with me? >> reporter: i'm just asking. >> what

tom coburn of oklahoma. and they have a doctor show and they're doing an enormous amount of outreach about this issue because of their medical background, which is doing a lot to educate people and get folks involved. and john, maybe you can talk about reconciliation, what that is. >> ladies and gentlemen, i'll tell you, very few people in the united states senate know the rules better than david vitter or know how to use them effectively. i've not been through a reconciliation fight. but what i'm trying to do is visit with people all across america. at the time of the revolution, benjamin franklin said, a third of the people weretories, they favored what the british were doing. and a third were true blue. and that's all you here in the audience. . . >> it seems like we are losing the war in the media. what can we do to solve that problem? >> i understand your concern. i don't care how the media covers it, in august, we have been winning the war and we can go on and win the war if we keep at it. [applause] t

i talked about it last night with senator tom coburn. i want to go down this road.ugman is trying to be some fine tuning economist. long term, how are the limits going to be made if we don't get people who vote constitutional limitations on this. >> you do see that in the state level. several states passed laws to limit spending like growth and population and rate of inflation for that very reason because the state legislature saying the same thing in congress cannot be relied upon to show any fiscal discipline at all. for michael to dismiss the idea of 1.4 trillion deficits as far as the eye can see, i don't know the exact point the bond market or currency market explodes, i'd rather not find out. trillion dollar deficits is a fast way to get there. >> i can't understand why you're suggesting constitutional requirements when california which has all sorts of legal restraints on its budgeting process is an absolute mess. >> no, they don't have restraints on their spending. they don't have restraints on their spending. other states, do california does not. california

the third bulletin, my friend, tom coburn of oklahoma will tell me why he thinks i'm completely wrongood deed ever goes unpunished. by the way, did i mention pending home sales rose a fifth straight month. the new bull market is pointing to a new economic recovery. fasten your seatbelts, the k"th kudlow report" begins right now. good evening, everyone. i'm larry kudlow and we believe free market capitalism this is best path to prosperity. remember the old adage. sell in may and go away. that old wives tale has been proven completely wrong. judging by the plunging corporate bond spreads as well as cost cutting by businesses and accomodative fed, i see no reason why the s&p index, which stayed over 1,000 today can't cross 1100 or better after the usual pullbacks and corrections. i'm a total bull on this story. >>> as a free market capitalist who does not believe in artificial spending or pumping from uncle sam i will eat a little crow on my next statement. at this moment in history, if

. >> you said, however, this is a headline from the washington times, july 16 -- coburn -- dem health plan will kill america. that's reasonable? >> it is reasonable. i practice medicine almost on a daily basis. i see patients. how many involved in this debate are in the health care system? very few. the fact is if you create a comparative effectiveness board, which there's no question 70% of the people it will help. and it will help to control some costs. but 30% of the people, it's going to hurt because we're not -- we're not going to use -- >> you can't -- you can't make that assertion. >> we can. >> look at the system -- >> recommendation. mayo clinic? 30% of the people at mayo clinic are disadvantaged because they have comparative -- >> they do not. >> they don't have it -- >> yes, they do. >> the best instituons in the country, david, use comparative effectiveness and everybody benefits. and jim's point about the fact that we can't have government involved withome kind of consultation, government runs the medicare program. the medicare program covers virtually every senior in the

senator coburn has been going on foreign policy trips paid for by the family to try and set up christian prayer cells of the very kind that helped ensign. >> is this a religious group? if so, why does it include catholics and protestants and if they have a religious doctrine, it doesn't seem like they share a belief. >> they teach jews, muslims love jesus. that's what allowed him to forge alliances. catholics, the family has historically been extremely anti-catholic. doug co-said he hates. >> what's doyle and stu peck doing there. >> they're attracteded to the god of american power. these guys like the access. they like the influence. >> some working class irish catholic from pittsburgh, where do you put him into the leadership clack. >> the family, look, senator coburn in fact told james dobson's magazine, citizen several years ago he went out looking for some democrats. the family has always been 0, 90% republicans. >> are you sure this isn't like me staying at the y, it's cheap? you get -- it used to be six bucks a night in d.c. that's one reason to stay there. >> when you're at the y

they like to call tom coburn senator no. he's got some great -- >> my kids love coburn.hearings, we'll show these meetings, i don't see civil discussion like you and i are having. i see people screaming, trying to shut down meetings so there is no discussion. but tim phillips i hope i let you talk. >> can i have just one more point? >> go ahead. >> we are encouraging our membership, we're doing e-mails and calls saying come out. i have been to a lot of meetings. the vast majority of people are civil. i think the congressman did say that just now. i think with the anti-war movement earlier this decade, there are always some people who take it over the edge and are inappropriate, but i'm telling you the vast majority of americans at these meetings are coming out on their own and they are civil. >> this has been put out by the group called right principles. this is what they tell people to do. rock the boat early in the meeting. watch for an opportunity. yell out, shout out. embolden others to call out and yell out. these are instructions to people who go to these meetings.

i like to call tom coburn senator no. >> my kids love coburn. when we watch the hearings, i don't see civil discussion like you and i are having. i see people screaming trying to shut down meetings. so there is no discussion. but, tom and tim phillips, i hope i let you talk. >> can i have one more point, chris, just one more? >> when i look at the town hall meetings, we encourage our membership, we're doing emails and calls saying come out. i've been to a lot of these meetings in the last few weeks. the vast majority of people, chris, are civil. i think congressman inglis did say that just now. with the anti-war movement in earlier in the decade. there are always some people who take it over the edge, but i'm telling you the vast majority of americans are coming out on their own and they're civil. >> this has been put out by the group called right principle. they this is what they say, rock the boat early in the meeting, watch for opportunities, yell out, these are instructions to people to go to the meetings. >> i know our organization is not d

coburn was asked about it. what republicans have a plan? he went on about things that are in the republican options. why are we getting the press on that? well -- [inaudible] you will be happy now that c- span is right behind you and they are going to play at this weekend. see the guy right here there? he just waved his hand. [applause] there he is. bernanke. >> any follow-up? >> i wanted to thank you, david. i think you are one of the most maligned at centers in washington, but you stand up for yourself and stand-up arrest. i appreciate that so much and so do all of us. [applause] as we go to barbara bailey, i want to announce that next batting order. >> the question that john had was an important one. there are a few house bills as well as the senate bill that you are talking about. there are competing proposals. h.r. 3200, this is the bill that passed a house committee that i post. but in the house, there are two and others, which is h.r. 3400, one that we put on our web site. we have 20 co-sponsors. rodney alexander is a co- sponsor. we

tom coburn. there's a lot of republican options that have been put on the table.ause republicans are not in the majority and the president is dominating the communication. except, of course, for the people who show up at the town hall meetings. >> all right. we'll get back to this subject in just a moment with our panel. >>> coming up, brett favre storms minnesota. the vikings just inked him to a one-year, $12 million deal. i'll bring you the latest on number 4 up next in my "playbook." and more panel discussion. ♪ (announcer) transform your water. women who drink crystal light drink 20% more water. crystal light. make a delicious change. but i've still got room for the internet. with my new netbook from at&t. with its built-in 3g network, it's fast and small, so it goes places other laptops can't. i'm bill kurtis, and wherever i go, i've got plenty of room for the internet. and the nation's fastest 3g network. gun it, mick. (announcer) sign up today and get a netbook for $199.99 after mail-in rebate. with built-in access to the nation's fastest 3g network. only f

>> the family, look, senator coburn in fact told james dobson's magazine, citizen several years ago he went out looking for some democrats. the family has always been like 90% republicans. >> are you sure this isn't like me staying at the y, it's cheap? you get -- it used to be six bucks a night in d.c. that's one reason to stay there. >> when you're at the y, do you try and facilitate arms deals with the setup of foreign policy? >> no, what i'm saying, is it a cheap place to stay? >> maybe mike doyle is, but why are they being dishonest about it? congressman bart stupak, conservative democrats, been there for seven year, getting subsidized rent. in 2002 told "the l.a. times" we don't talk to the press about it. now he says he doesn't know what's going on there. why does zach wamp say. >> what's the reaction of these members of congress? they're all part of this cell. >> i've been reporting on this for several years for harper's magazine and rolling stone. never had a fact corrected. >> i'll hear from them. i can tell you that. thank you for coming on. i can guarantee i'm going to hear

senator, he's a lame duck from ohio, he's been governor, he said we have too many jim demints and tom coburns in the party, the southerners. people hear them and say these people they're southerners. the party's being taken over by southerners, and the south is where the president is not one of us is rooted. all the opinion polling shows that's where the heart of it is. why? >> that's a whine. it was going up. when i was in iowa they said the hills are here because the ice cap stopped here for heaven's sake. the idea this is a dangerous thing is preposterous. >> the democrats will be very lucky if the republicans listen to people like pat who spread ideas that are very outmoded, they were outmoded when he started to spread them 40 years ago, particularly about race and entitlement of white people and all of the rest of that. this is a party that is in decline partly because the leadership of it is nuts on talk radio and partly because they have no answers to the problems that really exist whether it's climate change, whether it's a health care system that doesn't work for most of the american

. >> and this sunday, david gregory will tackle the health care issue with dick armey, tom coburn, tom daschle and rachel m maddow. you're watching "hardball" only on msnbc. these days, when you have to spend, shopping online can help save. doing it with bank of america can help save a lot more. up to 20% cash back from over 300 online retailers with our add it up program. just sign up and use your bank of america debit or credit card when you shop online. it's one of the many ways we make saving money in tough times a whole lot easier. that's why i use covergirl's simply ageless makeup with olay regenerist serum. a department store brand can glob up in lines and actually make you look older. simply ageless makes you look amazing. from olay and easy, breezy, beautiful covergirl. diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating. that's me! can i tell you what aifference phillips' colon health has made? it's the probiotics. the good bacteria. that gets your colon back in balance. i'm good to go! phillips' colon health. how far can you see? at pnc, taking the long view is how we help you take the ri

we are joined by it senator coburn.have been talking about -- i think it was senator sanders and i -- we were among the people who said these work fees are troublesome. i appreciate your leadership on this and a number of other issues. in just a little bit ahead of you. i'm going to go ahead, and then we will yield to senator coker. i am delighted to have both of you. i am grateful. thank you. >> thank you, mr. chairman. i would like to commend you, mr. chairman, for holding this hearing today. the importance of this issue cannot be overstated, especially during these economically- challenging times. it is more important than ever that we end wasteful spending associated with federal contracting. moreover, we need to fully embrace transparent practices that will ensure taxpayers that their money is going to be used for a good use. i look forward to hearing more about the use of the award fee contracts, and the steps that the office of budget management and the gao are taking to reduce wasteful spending. we need to make

coburn: i also submit for the record and ask unanimous consent that my full statement be included in the record prior to my remarks. the presiding officer: without objection, so ordered. mr. coburn: this -- i'm pleased to come to the floor today to talk about our supreme court selection process judge sotomayor is the third supreme court candidate that i have had the privilege of getting to know, interviewing and asking rigorous questions during the hearing. she has a miraculous and wonderful personal story. she's very accomplished. she is to be admired for what she has accomplished. when we look at supreme court nominees, we're actually charged to do two things. one is to look at the record of judicial behavior and assess it, and then also to look at the record that is out there besides their judicial appointments, judicial decisions. and we did a very thorough job in analyzing her 15-plus years as a federal judge and appellate judge. there were some very concerning cases that we encountered for which we questioned her, and the record will fully show her defense of that record and th

senator coburn, senator hatch, senators and representatives, and they have all been rejected. >> jamie: why rejected and the foss research team confirming they were rejected, all nine were reject, are democrats being honest with us about our intention on abortion funding and our next guest says no, a former pennsylvania senator, fox news contributor, and good to see you, senator, thanks for joining us. >> thanks, jamie. good to be with you. >> jamie: and you have had a chance to look at the proposals that have been bandied about and you told the president at these town halls, what is the real answer about whether or not federal funds that are given to the states for health care, could be used for abortion? >> well, the government plan, this is what everyone is talking about here, there is a government plan and there is in house bill and one of the senate health committee bills, essential health services will be provided, and that will include abortion and if you look at those -- going back to medicaid, where medicaid was first passed the federal court interpreted that medicaid would ha

senator tom coburn introduced the amendment and it passed.member of congress to go into the public options. tom coburn is opposed to the public option but he said the congressmen and women should get into that plan to feel the same effects of the plant. jon: who is opposed? >> we're still talking about the senate health committee. 10 of 11 votes against it in the senate health committee were from democrats. other democrats that are not even on the committee say they do not like the amendment because it suggests the public option will be the only insurance option and they say that premise is wrong. they have to make the case that the public option would be a twist that would be mandatory. republicans say that is not the case. . jon: molly henneberg, interesting. thank you. jane: the senate is three hours away from holding the final vote on the president's supreme court nominee, sonia sotomayor. it is all but a sure bet. here's a live picture from the senate floor. republicans have been speaking. they will turn the floor back over to the democr

coburn mention safeway. they have 200,000 employees. they spent as much on health care in 2008 as they did in 2004. i visited corporate headquarters before i spoke to some people up there, and clinton until may, spoke to one of the top people over health care reform. albert einstein said in denver city lies opportunity. my hope is that in some of this adversity that we face with respect to the postal service, we will also find opportunity. opportunities to look at other companies like safely who have a unionized work force, and see what they are doing, and if there is something we can learn in a way that they are providing health care. it seems to be well received by the employees. they have been able to do it for the same amount of money. i am going to explore that opportunity, and i would encourage us to do the same. i will pass it on to my colleagues. if you could conclude, that would be great. this has been an excellent hearing. i am grateful to everyone who has prepared and participated in this. excellent testimony, good question.

cockburn has a bill, demint has a bill, but even the president çhas a bill -- coburn has a bi.sements. >> we are talking about taxes. >> i think your viewers want to know who is driving the car. is it nancy reed, or is it president obama. >> it is not obama. that is not what he was elected to do. >> that is not true. they connected this all the way back to the new deal. then you have the great society. they really believe they should micromanage other people's lives. they really believe that. they do not believe in freedom. sean: they do not believe in freedom, because they know best. >> the biggest expansion in american health care. the republicans did. medicare part b. sean: we have got to run. that is, ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here, a