Meanwhile, back to HCR...

[berni_mccoy]

I believe, based on snippets of statements made by members of the House, the Senate and even Howard Dean and that this is what is going to happen with the HCR Bill:

1. The House will pass the Senate version of the bill
2. Obama will sign the bill into law
3. The Senate, under agreement with the House, will pass via Reconciliation, changes that the House required in order for them to go along with this plan.

This is essentially Amendment via reconciliation. The big question is, what exactly will the reconciliation changes be that the House requires.

[mdmc]

1. Hasn't Pelosi said no go to this plan already?

She doesn't have the votes.

[berni_mccoy]

2. She said the House won't pass the Senate version "as is". But Woolsey said progressives

are lining up to pass the Senate version.

That tells me they are working on an agreement to modify the bill. But they won't get a modified version back through the Senate with 59 in the caucus (Amendment would require 60). The only way to do it now is via Reconciliation, which only applies to existing laws. The only way to make the Senate version an existing law is for the House to pass it.

[mdmc]

4. So we bought Max's vote by giving free health care to Montana

but we can then strip this perk during reconciliation?

[endless october]

3. the senate health insurance corporation bailout act of 2010

is not reform.