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October 23, 2009

Report: Pelosi Lacks Votes for “Robust” Public Option
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In other news from Washington, concern is growing that Democratic
leaders will lack the sufficient votes to include a public option as
part of a healthcare reform bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is
reportedly backing a plan that would establish a public option but allow
individual states to opt out. Reid is said to be pushing the proposal
despite acknowledging it could fall short in a Senate vote. Meanwhile,
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly determined she currently lacks
the necessary votes to establish a “robust” public option. The news
website Politico reports the vote count will likely lead to a weaker
“trigger” proposal, in which a form of the public option would only be
established if the insurance industry fails to meet certain coverage
goals.



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