‘Twas Night Before Christmas’ For Healthcare
WASHINGTON – Sen. Roland Burris of Illinois recited “Twas the Night Before Christmas” for healthcare reform.
His version reads:
It was the night before Christmas and all through the Senate,The right held up our health care bill No matter what was in it.The people had voted, they mandated reform.But Republicans blew off the gathering storm. We’ll clog up the Senate they cried with a grin And in the midterm elections we’ll get voted in.
They knew regular folks needed help right this second But fundraisers, lobbyists, politics beckoned.
So try as they might Democrats could not win Because their majority was simply too thin.
Then across every state there rose such a clatter The whole Senate rushed out to see what was the matter. All sprang from their desk and ran from the floor Straight through the cloakroom and right out the door. And what in the world would be quite so raucous But a mandate for change from the Democratic caucus.
The president, the speaker and of course leader Reid Had answered the call in our hour of need. More rapid than eagles the provisions they came And they whistled and shouted and called them by name.
Better coverage, cost savings, a strong public plan Accountable options – we said, yes we can!
No exclusions or changes for pre-existing conditions, Let’s pass a bill that restores competition.
Democrats all came together determined to fight For the American people that Christmas Eve night
And then in a twinkle heard under the dome the roll call was closed and It was time to go home
Despite the obstructionist tactics of some the filibuster had broken The people had won’
And a good bill was ready for President Obama Ready to sign and end health care drama.
The democrats explained as they drove out of sight Better coverage for all even our friends on the right.
I say to all my colleagues Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and I yield my time.
