Can the current version of HCR be passed despite Lieberman's filibuster?

[DeltaLitProf]

Correct me if I'm wrong here:

If Reid removes the compromise from the current HCR bill and removes the public option . . . and if the Dems in the Senate all vote the resulting HCR out of the Senate, it goes to the conference committee to be reconciled with the House bill.

Then in the conference, let's say the terms of the House bill are superimposed onto the bare bones bill passed by the Senate.

When the reconciled bill is submitted for a vote in both houses, THERE IS NO ABILITY TO FILIBUSTER. Fifty-one votes wins in the Senate. Joe Lieberman and the other DINOS would be irrelevant.

So to say that Lieberman can stop real Health Care Reform on his own is to engage in untruth. What would stop it would be if Reid decides to stop trying after hearing of Lieberman's filibuster threat. If he refuses to try to pass a bare bones HCR bill, HE would be the one to sink health care reform. Since the option to add the goodies during the conference committee is always there.

[BzaDem]

1. This is not correct.

The conference report is absolutely subject to a 60-vote cloture vote. It cannot be amended, but it can be filibustered. We just had to overcome a conference report on an appropriations bill this weekend (and we got the exact 60 after Reid held the vote open for an hour).

The more likely scenario is the Senate passes a bill, and then the House approves it word for word (negating the need for a conference). People in the House will put up a huge show, but in the end it is unlikely the bill could be improved in conference in a way that could still keep 60 votes in the Senate.

[DeltaLitProf]

2. Then I'm retitling my post.

And this makes it clear that the only way to get this passed is to make it more to Olympia Snowe's liking. Which will gut it.

[CraigNelson]

4. We should pass a basic bill that does two things

1. Bans discrimination of those with pre-existing conditions.
2. Allows children to stay on their parents insurance until age 27.

That is the best bill we are going to get.

[Lasher]

3. No.

Every single Republican will vote against it.