31 Minutes Ago... Hoyer: "clearly we believe we have the votes"

[WillyT]

# RT @jcohntnr: Hoyer: "clearly we believe we have the votes" #hcr #healthreform 31 minutes ago via TweetDeck

Link: http://twitter.com/Wonkroom

:kick:

[LiberalLoner]

1. Victory dance time!

[babylonsister]

2. They do; Reid delivered a letter, here:

http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/live/countdown-to-reform-wire/#325499?ref=fpblg

Hoyer Says Reid Promises Reconcilation Votes Are There
34 minutes ago


House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters that his Senate counterpart Majority Leader Harry Reid has lived up to a promise to prove to House Democrats that Senators pledge to vote for the reconciliation fix package of changes to their health care bill.

Hoyer said Reid has presented leadership with a letter "signed by more than 50" senators indicating support for the reconciliation package. Brian Beutler is staking out Democrats, and sent over a few quotes.

Hoyer said the Rules Committee Chairwoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) will recommend a rule that will set debate framework of two hours for reconciliation. That rule "will provide further that upon passage of the reconciliation bill, the Senate-passed health care bill will be in order for a vote on the floor of the House."

Next, the House will proceed right away to voting for the Senate-passed bill without "intervening debate," Hoyer said. "We determined that we can do this and it's a better process."

This is a critical step to allow Democrats to feel they didn't vote for a bill they hate without first approving a fix measure to improve it.

During a meeting with Hoyer and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Reid showed the Democrats the letter. A Reid spokesman said the letter will be released after the afternoon caucus with Reid, President Obama and House Democrats.