We Can See the Finish Line

"The road ahead is a long stretch but we can see the finish line. When this debate begins on the floor, the differences will be clear to the American people. Our plan saves lives, saves money and saves Medicare,"

- Harry Reid

The Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid, needs 60 votes to end the debate on the healthcare reform bill. A majority of 51 senators already support the bill, but according to the rules you need 60 votes to end the debate as well. The Democrats have to overcome the fillibustering that will come from the Replublicans and those modorate Democrats. Reid has four ways to go around the needed 60 votes inorder for the bill to pass.

1. Reconciliation
The 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act allows bills that relate to the budget to pass without fillibustering. Reconciliation is a procedure that only requires a majority of 51 to pass a bill. The healthcare reform bill has to do a lot with federal spending and is entitled for reconciliation but might have to be broken up into two separate parts.
2. The Nuclear Option
Reid can call a "constituional option" and prevent the Republicans from fillibustering and pass the bill with a majority of 51.
3. Locking the Doors
Fillibustering is thought of as a long speech going on for hours and hours, but a modern fillibuster can be as simple as a roll call forcing every senator to get up and speak. Reid can lock the doors and force every senator to be present so no roll call is needed.
4. Throwing out the Rule Book
At the start of a new session in congress a majority can enact a new set of rules for the senate. The rules can get rid of fillibusters and closed votes.

There is still hope for the Democrats and all Americans. This country has waited far to long for a universal healthcare that will benefit all. Like Reid stated "we can see the finish line". The end is almost here. Good Luck Mr. Reid!

http://www.congress.org/news/2009/11/24/four_ways_around_the_60vote_rule

http://reid.senate.gov/