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'Robust' Public Option May Be Dead in House

But not everyone buys report that Pelosi lacks the votes

By John Johnson, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 23, 2009 9:10 AM CDT

(Newser) – The public option continues its yo-yo course. On the same day we get news that Harry Reid is leaning toward putting a version into the Senate bill, Mike Allen reports at Politico that Nancy Pelosi doesn't haven't the votes for a "robust" version in the House. Talking Points Memo disagrees with the latter, as does presidential adviser Valerie Jarrett. "I don't know whether Mike Allen can actually count votes or not," she said on Morning Joe.

Allen's story suggests that because Pelosi doesn't have the votes to pass the most aggressive of the public option plans, a "trigger" option is the likely alternative. Olympia Snowe, for example, is floating a plan to have a public plan go into effect only if private insurers don't reform quickly enough, and an administration official tells Politico that President Obama backs the idea. This flurry of reports comes after yesterday's meeting between Obama and congressional leaders, a sign that they're finally getting down to the legislative nitty-gritty.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gestures during a news conference on Capitol Hill Wednesday. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

Nancy Pelosi speaks on Capitol Hill Wednesday. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

Nancy Pelosi speaks on Capitol Hill on Oct. 15. (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 12 comments

EllieDee

Nov 5, 2011 10:17 AM CDT

So I can only suppose that when the "right" said this is what the Socialists had in mind, that they were right! Isnt it amazing how easily some people can lie to the public while acting indignant to hearing the truth

freethemall

Oct 23, 2009 8:04 AM CDT

Such is the situation, as I understood it until now.

freethemall

Oct 23, 2009 8:00 AM CDT

I agree, and if the Dems don't "stay the course" as you term it, I will cease to be a Democrat, and wll register as a Green, or a Socialist.

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Politics • Health

Nancy Pelosi • Senate • Harry Reid • health care reform • public option

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'Robust' Public Option May Be Dead in House

But not everyone buys report that Pelosi lacks the votes

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nancy Pelosi • Senate • Harry Reid • health care reform • public option

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Pelosi to Unveil Bill With Weaker Public Option

Liberals suck it up as plan tied to Medicare rates lacks votes

Reid Goes for Broke With Public Option Bill

Senate majority leader banks on 60 votes, infuriates Baucus

Health Care Reform '90%' Done: Reid

But Senate, House leaders not united on public option

Obama to Push Cost Controls in Merging Health Bills

Senate plan is the model, but House wants concessions

Obama Goes to Hill Tomorrow to Cajole Dems

He will meet with Senate Democrats to try to iron out differences

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'Robust' Public Option May Be Dead in House

But not everyone buys report that Pelosi lacks the votes

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Nancy Pelosi • Senate • Harry Reid • health care reform • public option

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Pelosi to Unveil Bill With Weaker Public Option

Liberals suck it up as plan tied to Medicare rates lacks votes

Reid Goes for Broke With Public Option Bill

Senate majority leader banks on 60 votes, infuriates Baucus

Health Care Reform '90%' Done: Reid

But Senate, House leaders not united on public option

Obama to Push Cost Controls in Merging Health Bills

Senate plan is the model, but House wants concessions

Obama Goes to Hill Tomorrow to Cajole Dems

He will meet with Senate Democrats to try to iron out differences

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?