At the One Yard Line

By Dave

Big news today! The Democratic Caucus has struck a compromise with Ben Nelson over abortion and it looks like Reid has his 60 votes. They are now scrambling to get this done before anything else can derail it. Here’s Reid’s schedule:

• 1 a.m. MONDAY – To end debate on “a manager’s package” that includes all the latest changes to the bill. 60 votes required.
• 7 a.m. TUESDAY – To approve the manager’s package. Simple majority required.
• Also TUESDAY – To end debate on Mr. Reid’s original health care proposal, as amended by the manager’s package. 60 votes required.
• 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY – To approve Mr. Reid’s original proposal. Simple majority required.
• Also WEDNESDAY – To end debate on the finalized health care legislation. 60 votes required.
• 7 p.m. THURSDAY, Christmas Eve (or anytime after the prior vote if all senators agree) – To approve the final bill. Simple majority required.

The Nelson compromise essentially tries to keep federal money from subsidizing insurance plans that cover abortion procedures. Apparently, it give states the ability to 'opt-out' of receiving those funds. It's by no means an optimal compromise. The Pro-Choice Caucus is obviously upset, but it sounds like it is less bad than the Stupak Amendment.

Speaking of Stupak, it sounds like he may try to block the Nelson language, if that's what comes out of the conference committee. In order to pose any real threat, Stupak needs to keep 45 of the 64 conservative House Dems who helped push his amendment. I don't think it's clear yet who in his coalition couldn't as easily be satisfied with the Nelson compromise. But my guess is, that at this point Stupak's opposition will be a minor roadblock.