Senate Continues Debate over Health Care Reform
November 30, 2009
The Senate began debate on the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (H.R. 3590) on Monday, November 30 and began voting on amendments to the legislation on Thursday, December 3.
Meanwhile, Senate Democrats are engaged in a closed-door debate behind about a government-run health insurance plan. Moderate Democrats are opposed to the government-run public option while liberal Democrats are in favor of it. All 40 Republicans in the Senate are strongly opposed to the public option.
In addition, a compromise plan that would replace the public option with nonprofits that receive initial government funding in states where private insurers fail to control costs is also being discussed.
President Obama met with Senate Democrats on Sunday, December 6 and urged the Democratic caucus to pull together to pass this landmark legislation. Democrats will need to secure all 60 votes to ensure passage of health care reform.
Debate is expected to last for several weeks, and senators could be expected to work right up until Christmas with the possibility of returning the week of Dec. 28 if necessary.
