Secret talks to exempt Congress from Obamacare

Corruptus In Extremis

The corrupt Ruling Class is holding secret talks to exempt themselves from Socialist Obamacare.

High-level, closed-door talks among top political hacks from both parties could lead to a deal that exempts lawmakers and their staffers from mandated coverage under President Obama’s health care law, sources told one news outlet.

The talks involve Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, House Speaker John Boehner, other high-ranking congressional leaders and various Obama administration officials, Politico reported Thursday.

The discussions are described as sensitive, as both sides — particularly Democrats who support the health reform — are wary of the potential backlash from an outraged constituency that sees the move as hypocritical.

“Everyone has to hold hands on this and jump or nothing is going to get done,” said one unnamed source that Politico says is close to the talks.

The exemption could apply to 535 legislators and the thousands of aides who work for them.

A spokesman for Boehner’s office asked about the talks said, “The speaker’s objective is to spare the entire country from the ravages of the president’s health care law. He is approached daily by American citizens, including members of Congress and staff, who want to be freed from its mandates. If the speaker has the opportunity to save anyone from Obamacare, he will.”

Reid’s office declined to comment about the bipartisan talks.

The political hacks claime they are concerned that the provision requiring lawmakers and staffers to join the exchanges, if it isn’t revised, could lead to a “brain drain” on Capitol Hill, as several sources close to the talks put it.

Lawmakers — especially those with long careers in public service and smaller bank accounts — are also concerned about the hit to their own wallets.

Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) said if OPM decides that the federal government doesn’t pick up “the 75 percent that they have been, then put yourself in the position of a lot of entry-level staff people who make $25,000 a year, and all of a sudden, they have a $7,000 a year health care tab? That would be devastating.”