No one knows how long the Senate health care debate will last. But at least one thing is clear: until Majority Leader Harry Reid gets consensus on two volatile issues – whether to include a government-run “public option” health insurance plan and abortion coverage – it’s unlikely that the Nevada Democrat will able to get 60 votes for a health care deal.
Meanwhile, as Senate floor action enters its second week, the chamber is likely to debate amendments, for example, one on whether to permit the importation of drugs from other countries, where they often sell for less than in the United States. And Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., is expected to propose an amendment that would require all money from the Medicare payment changes in the bill be directed back to the Medicare program instead of being used to help fund the legislation.
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