Health Care Reform Update July 27, 2009
House
After more contentious private and public negotiations on a health overhaul between House leaders and moderate Democrats, prospects are uncertain for a vote on the bill before lawmakers leave for a long August recess.
The Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman, Henry Waxman, is aiming to come to an agreement by Monday or Tuesday of this week in order to report the bill to the full house.
House Democratic leaders will attempt to convince their caucus of the merits of the legislation Monday evening, in the hope of holding a vote at the end of this week or early next week.
Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, had earlier dismissed the idea that Energy and Commerce might have to discharge the bill without voting on it — something Waxman said, in the heat of his dispute with moderate democrats, that he was considering himself. “I’m not interested in that, and I don’t think the Speaker is either,” Hoyer said. (CQ)
He said chances are “very small” they will take the bill to the floor before the House’s scheduled July 31 break for the August recess. However, he said it was possible the leadership would hold the chamber in session beyond that date.
Senate
Senate leaders last week abandoned plans to pass their own bill before August, but work continues among a bipartisan group of six Finance Committee members – backed by their leadership – to reach agreement on an overhaul.
