Posted by
Defend America on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:55:18 PM
Conrad: Parts Of Health Care Fix Might Not Meet Reconciliation Test
One of the key issues bedeviling House Democrats who are still on
the fence about health care reform is the unpredictability of the
Senate. They wonder whether the Senate will be able to pass a
reconciliation bill--making needed changes to the comprehensive health
care bill--that hasn't been riddled with holes by Republican procedural
bullets.
Today, Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND)--chair of the Senate Budget Committee--didn't provide them much peace of mind.
Conrad addressed a meeting of Senate Democrats to explain the
reconciliation process to them. On his way out, I and several other
reporters caught up with him. I asked whether the package being
assembled by House and Senate Democrats will survive the Byrd rule,
which requires a reconciliation bill to amend tax or entitlement law,
without increasing the deficit.
"We haven't finished the process of going through things that are Byrd-able," Conrad said.
"Is it a close call on some of them?" I asked.
"Oh yeah," Conrad said.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/03/conrad-parts-of-the-health-care-fix-bill-might-fail-reconciliation-test.php