This evening I was watching the live vote from the House of Representatives on HR3962 (Health Care Bill). Watching voting on an issue is exceedingly boring but, at the same time, very interesting.
So, here’s how the whole thing went down. The speaker asked for a verbal vote on the bill and people yelled “Aye” and “NO” respectively. The speaker then said that it appeared that the “Ayes” had it. Someone then made a motion for a roll call vote and the speaker asked for those in favor to stand. Enough people apparently stood to require a roll call vote and that’s what happened. House members then had to vote electronically during a 15 minute period. For some odd reason, it took 10 mins to pass before the necessary 218 votes were cast by the Democrats. There was cheering once this occurred but we still had to wait another 4 mins while the final votes were cast. Amazingly, one Republican voted in favor of the House health care bill!
Anyway, it was all very interesting even if a bit boring. Now the fight moves on to the Senate. There should be some fireworks in there over the next week. I may be watching more C-SPAN than any person outside of politics should!