Washington D.C., Mar 12, 2010 / 19:57 pm
A confidential source says that House Democrats have been told there will “definitely” be a vote next week on the Senate’s health care reform bill but its abortion language is unchanged. Speculation also continues on how many pro-life Democrats will approve the Senate bill.
According to a House Democrat who was present at a Friday meeting called by Nancy Pelosi and asked to remain anonymous, members have been told to be prepared to stay in next weekend and through the following week until the vote happens.
The House rule governing the vote would reportedly be closed. It would allow one vote on the Senate health care reform bill which would include the reconciliation provisions and amendments.
“The Senate bill vote is not separate, it is wrapped into the single vote - when members vote for or against the reconciliation package they will also be voting for or against the Senate-passed health reform bill,” CNA’s source explained. “Once passed, the Senate bill will go to the president for signing, and the reconciliation provisions will go to the Senate where they will need to pass unchanged.”