Committee Approved Bill – 10/14/2009

The health care reform effort passed another important legislative hurdle on October 13, 2009. The Senate Finance Committee approved its version of health care reform legislation on a vote of 14 to 9. Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine voted with all 13 Democrats on the Committee to approve what some have called a "middle-of-the-road" health care plan. The Finance Committee bill does not include a public option, unlike the versions passed in the Summer by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) and three House Committees. Senate leadership will now meet with Senator Baucus, White House staff and others to blend the Senate Finance bill and the HELP bill into a single bill to bring to the Senate floor for a vote of the full Senate. Similar discussions are occurring in the House.

One question is whether the blended Senate bill will include a public option, which the blended House bill will almost certainly include. During Finance Committee debate, Sen. Baucus voted against an amendment which would have included a public option in the Finance bill because he did not feel a bill with a public option could pass the Senate. While the Democrats hold a 60-vote filibuster proof majority in the Senate, it is unclear whether there are 60 votes to end a filibuster, especially if the legislation includes a public option. Senator Snowe could play a pivotal role in any vote on the Senate floor; however, Senator Snowe made it clear that her vote to approve the Finance Committee bill should not be interpreted to mean that she will vote for any bill that reaches the Senate floor.

If you have more questions about Health Care Reform, you can contact Greg Pemberton, Kevin Woodhouse or Sarah Cotterill, or any other member of Ice Miller's Health Law Practice Group.

This publication is intended for general information purposes only and does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice.  The reader must consult with legal counsel to determine how laws or decisions discussed herein apply to the reader's specific circumstances.