Congress gets back to work but final pieces of health reform legislation not yet clear

The House of Representatives will resume legislative business on Tuesday, January 12, thus beginning the Second Session of the 111th Congress. The Senate will resume legislative business a week later on January 19.

Since both chambers of Congress have passed health care reform legislation, Democratic leadership is currently working to combine the two bills and reach consensus on the remaining contentious topics. Although Democrats are hoping to pass legislation before the State of the Union, this deadline is not set in stone and could be subject to further delay.
　
Last week, Democratic leadership from both the House and Senate met with President Obama and members of his Administration to discuss health care reform strategy and substance. Private discussions will continue next week and are likely to heat up as Congress returns to town. Before a final bill is ready for passage, Democratic leadership must reach agreement on several issues. It is currently projected that the Senate version of health reform will carry the key issues (such as no public option) but many other issues remain unclear.
　
President Obama has begun taking a more active role in the House/Senate negotiations. This week, Obama voiced support for taxing so called "Cadillac Health Care plans." He believes that this provision is key to curbing the rising cost of health care. As Congressional negotiations move forward, President Obama will continue to increase his involvement.
　
Earlier this week, the President met with Congressional Democratic leadership to discuss the future of health care reform. President Obama continues to urge Members to finish work on health care reform and send legislation to his desk as soon as possible.