Democrats file House Reform Bill; Friday vote possible but not likely

House Health Reform Update:

Late Tuesday night, the House Rules Committee posted the Manager's amendment of the proposed healthcare reform legislation. Based on House Democrats' agreement with Republican leaders to post final healthcare bills online for a minimum of 72 hours before a vote is called, the earliest a vote could be taken would be Friday night, but a vote could easily be delayed beyond that.

A delay seems likely as the amendment came on an Election Day which saw Democrats lose some key governors' races in the country, potentially creating new pressure for more moderate or bipartisan approach to health reform.

Republicans have also proposed a substitute amendment that focuses mainly on health insurance reforms but does include language to allow a pathway for biosimilars.