Undead: Nelson Says Sure, I'll Use Reconciliation to Pass Health Care

Sorry, this story still is finished being written.

Politico found eight Democrats (including sorta-Democrat Lieberman) who were unsure if they'd go the reconciliation route, but today, Ben Nelson -- one of the eight -- is saying he's up for suicide.

Nelson told Nebraska reporters that he could support passing current health legislation using budget reconciliation as long as he believes the underlying bill is good.

"I’ve been asked about whether I’d support using the process known as reconciliation now," Nelson said. "So, I want to make it clear: If I support a bill, then I will vote for it regardless of whether it takes 50 votes to pass or 60 votes to pass. My position doesn't change just because the House or Senate decides to change the process."

The House wants the "fix" to the Senate bill passed before the Senate bill becomes law, which is... procedurally unprecedented, and may not be permitted. The CBO and parliamentarian are balking.

“Neither the House nor the Senate have figured out how to pass a reconciliation sidecar first,” one senior Senate aide says. “We are being asked to pass a piece of legislation that amends another piece of legislation which does not exist yet. We are having problems with the CBO and parliamentarian on that front.”

Apparently they want us to have a 60 vote filibuster-proof majority by 2012.

posted by Ace at 06:09 PM

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