Key Democrat Won't Hold Out for a Public Option

The House's third-ranking Democrat said Sunday that he can support a healthcare reform bill without a public option.

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) -- a proponent of a government-run public plan -- said that he could back the bill as long as it creates more choice and competition in the insurance industry and reduces costs. "It's of no consequence" whether it's done via the public option or not.
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Just in Case you were wondering

Sorry for the Doom and Gloom, but it's just a reminder.

Pres. Obama's response after the Senate approved their version of the bill.

Obviously he supports their decision to approve the bill.  But this is his response none the less.

Merry Christmas

Senate passes $871 Billion health care bill with a vote 60-39

 What's Next?

Because the Senate will be sending back a different legislative vehicle than the House sent to them (the Senate will be sending back H.R. 3590 rather than the House-passed H.R. 3692), the House will have the opportunity to choose from among the following options:

1. Agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590, in which case they're done and the bill is ready for signature;

2. Further amend H.R. 3590 (as amended by the Senate) and send it back to the Senate, with an insistence on its position and requesting a conference;

3. Further amend H.R. 3590 (as amended by the Senate) and send it back to the Senate without further comment, letting the Senate decide to accept the House amendments and finish the bill, or alternatively insist on a conference;

4. Simply disagree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 3590 and move immediately to go to conference on the two different versions of that bill, or;

5. Do nothing right away on the floor, but instead begin informal negotiations on a package of amendments acceptable to both a majority in the House and 60 Senators.

This will happen after the New Year.

As Posted from Congress Matters