Waxman on health care

Rep. Henry A. Waxman, one of the key movers in the passage of the Health Care bill, considers it appropriate that the victory was won in the House of Representatives one week before the Passover Seder. “The meaning of the Seder is that no one should be left behind,” the Los Angeles Democrat told The Journal in a call from Washington. “It means that everyone should have a seat at the table, that everyone should partake in the afikomen of freedom. On the secular level, that is what the Health Care means to millions of Americans,” he said.

Waxman has fought for such legislation since he entered Congress 36 years ago, and now, as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, he was one of three committee chairs responsible for shaping and moving the bill. Following Sunday’s 16-hour session on the House floor, Waxman celebrated Monday by not reporting to work until noon. The veteran liberal legislator said he accepted the necessary compromises to pass the bill, and gave primary credit to President Barack Obama for the winning strategy and for resisting pressures to settle for a smaller and more modest bill. He rejected suggestions that the fallout from the bitterly fought partisan battle will hurt the reelection chances of some Democrats in the November election. “By that time, and even earlier, most people will have realized the benefits of the legislation,” he said.

Nevertheless, Waxman said he was struck by the bitterness and hostility shown by the bill’s opponents, both on the House floor among protesters outside. As he neared the Capitol building, some people shouted at Waxman “traitor” and “baby killer.” He is unworried as he seeks his 19th consecutive term. As usual, he has no Democratic challengers, and said he is open to debate the winner of the Republican primary, with three hopeful entered so far. The inner workings of Congress have puzzled many, and as a guide to the perplexed, Waxman last year published his insights in his first book, “The Waxman Report: How Congress Actually Works.”