Senate leaders say health reform legislation possible next week

Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said he expects to bring legislation to overhaul the U.S. health-care system up for debate on the Senate side next week. Despite pressure and criticism, Senator Reid said today that he believes the Senate can pass the measure by the end of the year.

In order to get the 60 votes he needs Reid will have to bridge differences on whether reforms should include a public option, employer mandate and significant differences in how to fund coverage for the uninsured. In addition, federal funding for abortion has also entered in as a new, potentially disruptive issue for health reform.

Democrats control 60 votes in the Senate, just enough to pass legislation if they stick together. Currently, Senator Reid is waiting for Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimates before unveiling his health-care bill and pushing to begin debate perhaps as early as next week.