Posted by
Defend America on Thursday, March 04, 2010 5:20:35 PM
Maybe no health care bill vote by Easter
Erica Werner
House
Democratic leaders are pushing to finish far-reaching health
legislation and hold a climactic vote in the next three weeks, aiming
to overcome reluctance from rank-and-file lawmakers. But they conceded
Thursday they may not meet President Barack Obama's challenge for swift
action.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said the Democrats would like to
get a final vote by Congress' Easter break, which begins March 29. But
he also said "the world doesn't fall apart" if that timeline isn't met
— a nod to the many missed deadlines that have characterized the health
overhaul effort so far.
Democratic leaders are contending with a
host of undecided lawmakers who want to see the fine print before
making a decision. Hoyer said final language and a cost estimate should
come back from the Congressional Budget Office by the end of next week.
"At this point in time we don't have a bill," Hoyer said. "It's a little difficult to count votes if you don't have a bill."
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/news/ap/politics/2010/Mar/04/maybe_no_health_care_bill_vote_by_easter.html