Health Care Reform Update

Congress continues to work towards a “fix” to the broken health care system.  In a statement today, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has indicated that every effort will be made to complete reform by December 18, 2009.  The House is currently working to merge the three bills into one complete bill.  Earlier this week, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi recognized through a survey, that there was not enough support in the House for a “robust” public option.  Speaker Pelosi has indicated that a weaker option may replace a “robust” public option.   Speaker Pelosi also stated that a merged bill will be introduced sometime next week. 
Meanwhile Senate discussions around merging the Finance and HELP Committee bills continue.  Yesterday, Majority Leader Harry Reid, Majority Whip Richard Durbin, Conference Vice Chairman Charles Schumer and Conference Secretary Patty Murray were slated to meet with President Obama to discuss their efforts, merging of the two bills and advancements in moving the Senate bill to the floor.  This week the Senate continued discussions that include a public option that will allow states to opt out of offering a public option.  Discussions to merge the bills will continue through next week. 
For more links to information on health care reform, please visit the Helpful Links section on the HFA website.