News Release
« BackDemocratic Leaders Pause to Regroup on Health Care, Formulate Jobs Bill Reform Strategy
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Scott Brown’s victory in the Massachusetts special election broke the Senate Democrats’ 60-vote filibuster-proof majority, leading congressional Democrats to regroup and examine their options moving forward on health care legislation. Democratic leaders in Congress have continued to meet among themselves and with the White House in an effort to salvage the reform effort.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has stated that there are not enough votes in the House to pass the Senate health care bill. Therefore, House Democratic leaders are reportedly discussing other options, including a scaled-back bill that could include some insurance-market reforms and measures to cut costs and support some small businesses.
Moderate Democrats, particularly those in the House, are increasingly wary of moving a broad health care bill with a hefty price tag. They are eager to move past health care and on to a “jobs” bill, which they feel will prove much more popular with voters. One Voice continues to tell members of Congress to oppose increased costs on small businesses in health care reform and has provided input on potential components of the “jobs” bill. As health care appears stalled for the moment, Senate Democratic leaders are formulating an economic bill that could include tax extenders, COBRA benefits and other options.
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