Senate and House Take Formal Steps Toward Passage of Health Reform

In a letter Thursday afternoon to Senate Minority Leader McConnell (R-KY), Senate Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) stated formally for the first time that Democrats plan to use reconciliation. Meanwhile, House Majority Leader Pelosi (D-CA) told her Democratic rank-and-file members Thursday morning that it would have a week to review and discuss a final package of changes to the Senate-passed health care overhaul bill. Language for a health reconciliation bill could go to the House Budget Committee Monday or Tuesday. The committee is required to give 24 notice before taking up the reconciliation bill and a 48-hour wait period before the House Rules Committee takes action. Whether the House can meet the President's deadline for a vote on the Senate-passed bill by next Friday and completion of final passage by Congress by the Easter recess remains to be seen.