Replies

1) I thought they were already planning to bypass the 60 vote rule via "reconciliation." Maybe they don't even have 50 senate votes with the "public option?" If that were true, then the Dem plan would be to work on getting 50 votes while the bill was in conference, with the US public unaware that they sneaked the public option back in.

I read yesterday that they are looking at changing the rulz to allow passage on a simple majority vote.

Then 51 votes would suffice.

I read yesterday that they are looking at changing the rulz to allow passage on a simple majority vote.

Then 51 votes would suffice.

Only if they use the same language in the bill the House passes, if the House passes one, that is, in order to avoid reconciliation requirement. This legislation falls under Article I, Section 7 of the USCon:

All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur with Amendments as on other Bills

The Senate would not be able to amend the House bill, otherwise, the conference committee will ensue. That would then require yet another vote in the House for the conference bill, more time passes, people get a good look again and raise the roof.

As I say, the only way this is avoided is to have the Senate agree to whatever language comes from the House -- and that doesn't sound as though it's happening, does it? Not with the "Gang of Six" they keep referring to on the Senate Finance committee.