Senate resumes healthcare debate as last procedural votes expected in hours
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As it has done almost every day this month, the Senate resumed debate on the healthcare overhaul bill this morning, with the final series of procedural votes expected within hours.
Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada was brief in his opening remarks, noting the upcoming votes. He then turned the debate over to other Democrats, including Sen. Benjamin Cardin of Maryland, who argued that the bill would save lives and is fiscally responsible because it will help cut the federal deficit.
Most of the arguments made today have been made before by Democrats, who are building a record for the 2010 and 2012 elections. Throughout the debate, Republicans have stressed cuts in Medicare spending and the expanding role of government into medical treatment. They also argue the bill is too expensive.
Democrats, of course, sharply disagree, saying the Medicare cuts will not decrease services for seniors.
The third and last procedural vote will come after this afternoon, and Democrats again will have to make sure their caucus shows up to cast the needed 60 votes to cut off debate on the legislation. The final vote is set for 8 a.m. EST on Thursday.
Today’s votes will also include Democrats rejecting the last points of order raised by Republicans, including one questioning the constitutionality of requiring Americans to buy health insurance, one of the key parts of the final bill. That mandate is funded by tax increases, federal subsidies and the Medicare cuts.
Differences between the House and Senate healthcare bills will have to resolved in a conference committee. Both bills include the creation of exchanges to allow consumers to be better informed about insurance options, a plan to increase competition. Unpopular insurance company actions such as rejecting people with preexisting health conditions would be banned.
However, the House version includes a public option that the Senate has rejected.
-- Michael Muskal
