Health Reform -- Too Close to Call

Speculation is growing that Democrats do not yet have the votes necessary to pass a healthcare reform bill. At the same time, House Speaker Pelosi has signaled she will work to push through health reform well before the coming spring recess.

The House Democratic Caucus was reportedly told by their leadership this morning that there would be a single, closed health reform vote within the next week, to include the reconciliation provisions (amendments to the Senate health reform bill and a student aid package) and the Senate passed reform bill. The Senate bill vote is wrapped into the single vote, so when members vote for or against the reconciliation package they will also be voting for or against the Senate passed health reform bill. Once passed, the Senate bill would go to the President for signing, and the reconciliation provisions would go to the Senate where they must pass the provisions unchanged. The Senate Parliamentarian ruled earlier this week that the President must sign Congress' original health care reform bill before the Senate can act on a companion reconciliation package. Some speculate this new twist could create new challenges for health reform legislation.

The White House has been pressing for a vote next week, but lingering questions this week cast doubt on whether the House would vote on the reform provisions before Congress adjourns for two weeks on March 26th.