By Patrick Yoest
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
WASHINGTON (Dow Jones)--Democrats should resist using a much-debated legislative tactic that would give them more leverage to pass a health overhaul measure, a top Senate Democrats said Friday.
Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont., speaking to reporters at the National Press Club, expressed optimism that Congress could pass health legislation - without using a fast-track option known as budget reconciliation. The tactic would allow Democrats to pass a health bill with only 51 votes in the Senate, rather than the 60 votes ordinarily needed to overcome a filibuster.
Lawmakers are currently trying to reconcile House and Senate versions of the fiscal 2010 budget resolution. The House version would allow for use of reconciliation for a health bill, while the Senate version would not.
"Even if it's in the budget, it doesn't have to be used," Baucus said. "If we don't use reconciliation, we're going to have a more sustainable result."
Senate Republicans have repeatedly warned against using the tactic, which enjoys support among House Democrats and some Senate Democrats. Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said recently that the White House is urging lawmakers to keep reconciliation available as a legislative option.
While Baucus conceded that inclusion of reconciliation in a final version of the budget resolution likely would stir resentment among Republicans, he maintained that it isn't necessary to use it.
"My goal is to talk to Republicans and say, hey, we don't have to use this if we work together," Baucus said.
The Finance panel is set to begin discussing draft health legislation - specifically, portions of the bill dealing with payments to hospitals and doctors - on Wednesday.
Baucus on Monday said he was urging fellow senators and advocacy groups to keep an open mind on the legislation. According to Baucus, he has told supporters and opponents of a public insurance option to compete with private insurers to "cool it" recently.
"I am trying to keep the moment going," Baucus said.
Several senators have come up with ideas for a public insurance option to stand alongside private options without creating unfair competition, Baucus said.
-By Patrick Yoest, Dow Jones Newswires; 202-862-3554; patrick.yoest@dowjones.com
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