|
FROM WALL STREET JOURNAL
DECEMBER 19, 2009
Senate Sends Defense Bill to Obama Earlier: Reid, Nelson Wrestle Over Health Bill Read the changes to the bill Health Overhaul Timeline
Since summer, members of Congress have been working on legislation that would extend health-insurance coverage to millions of Americans. Debates over the end cost and specifics of who and what should or should not be covered have swirled for months. See key dates in the back and forth between Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate.
June-July -- Three House committees and the Senate health committee pass independent versions of a bill to overhaul the health-care system.
July 16 -- Congressional Budget Office director Douglas Elmendorf causes a stir by suggesting the legislation won't bring down long-term costs.
August -- Rowdy town-hall meetings dominate the summer congressional recess, with some voters expressing concern about a government takeover of health care.
Sept. 9 -- President Barack Obama addresses Congress, invokes late Sen. Edward Kennedy in pushing for a bill. Republican Rep. Joe Wilson shouts, "You lie," during the speech, disputing the president's description of how the bill treats immigrants.
Sept. 29 -- The Senate Finance Committee votes down two amendments to include a government-run insurance plan, or "public option," in its version of the health bill.
Oct. 13 -- The Senate Finance Committee passes its bill 14-9, with support of Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe.
Oct. 26 -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says the bill he presents to the full Senate will include a public option.
Nov. 7 -- The House passes its health bill 220-215 with a public option and strict antiabortion language, a last-minute addition.
Nov. 18 -- Sen. Reid presents his bill. The Congressional Budget Office says the $848 billion measure will cut the budget deficit by $130 billion over 10 years, but Republicans say that relies on cuts that are unlikely to happen.
Dec. 8 -- A group of 10 senior Democratic senators agrees on a compromise that would drop public option, while opening Medicare to some people ages 55-64. The compromise also includes a proposal to have federal Office of Personnel Management set up plan to be operated by private nonprofit entities.
Dec. 14 -- Democrats drop the proposed expansion of Medicare after centrists, including Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I., Conn.), object to the idea.
Dec. 19 -- Democrats say they have 60 votes for Senate bill after reaching deal with Sen. Ben Nelson on abortion language.
|
|
|
