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Sen. Snowe joins Sen. Lincoln—NO HC under reconciliation
Senate Democrats are spending much of this week behind closed doors trying to puzzle through how to get HC thru the Senate given they have lost their filibuster proof 60th vote with the election of Sen. Brown (R-MA). They will meet as a caucus in an all day meeting on Wednesday away from the Capitol to try to resolve this impasse. Joining Sen. Lincoln (D-AR) in opposing the use of reconciliation to pass HC thru the Senate is Sen. Snowe (R-ME). “I hope they reject the reconciliation route. I think that would be wrong and untenable.”
Remember, reconciliation in the Senate only requires a majority vote to pass and in this Senate, the Majority Leader could lose 9 of his members and still pass the bill with a 50/50 vote (VP Biden would break the tie). The debate is limited by law if they use reconciliation to 20 hours but after the 20 hours, Senators can offer further amdts and get votes. Before these dozens and dozens of back-to-back votes begin, typically, the Leader will grant 30 secs for explanation of the amdt.
Watch the video on how this is done in the Senate:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA-KKJxXbBQ
Now more than ever, Congress needs to hear from you on HC. Tell your family and friends to go to GradeGov.com and let your voice be heard in Congress.
