Civics Question - Senate Votes?

[Ruby the Liberal]

Will they take both Finance's and HELP's bills to the floor, or are they supposed to reconcile them before a vote?

I should probably know this. Thanks for any help.

[napi21]

1. I believe it goes to conference before the floor vote.

That's why you've been hearing so many Dems talk about getting something out of committee and into conference. They expect the conference committee to put the PO in the final bill.

[MNDemNY]

3. "conference" refers to when BOTH the Senate and House have passed bills.

The conference is to resolve differences in the two bills.

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. Thanks to you both.

[Eric J in MN]

2. I think it's up to Senator Harry Reid (D-NV). NT

NT

[Ruby the Liberal]

5. Interesting. What has me wondering is why are they not voting on HELP

while the Finance committee continues its insurance funded circle jerk.

[Eric J in MN]

7. The Senate Finance Committee is one of the committees with jurisdiction...

...over health care reform, whether we like that or not.

[joeybee12]

6. I think you're right...the Leader decides what bills come up for a vote...

...I think he can also send both back to committee if he thinks changes can be made to one or both so whatever comes up for a vote is not radically different from the other.

[sinkingfeeling]

8. The 2 bills must be merged prior to a floor vote. See this article from last spring.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/30/health/policy/30health.html

The split reflects not only political differences between the two men but also differences between their committees, racing to write the most ambitious health care legislation in the nation’s history.

Over all, Democrats on the Finance Committee tend to be more moderate than those on the health committee, which includes more Democrats who identify themselves as liberals or progressives. The two Senate panels are drafting separate bills that are to be merged before going to the Senate floor.

[Ruby the Liberal]

9. Thanks!

[sinkingfeeling]

10. Of course I'm not sure if the Senate Finance Committee will ever get around to voting their version

out of committee.

[Ruby the Liberal]

11. If that happens, can Reid call a vote on HELP?