House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is forging ahead on passing a massive health care reform bill even though many in the Democratic caucus oppose what the leadership is putting forward.
Pelosi told reporters on Monday that the bill will be introduced on Tuesday in an incomplete form and will be drafted in detail in three different committees beginning this week.
“In order for us to be on schedule, we have to roll out our legislation this week,” Pelosi said, referring to her goal of having the House vote on a health care bill before leaving for the August recess that begins in three weeks.
The House delayed the introduction of the bill on Friday after centrist “Blue Dog” Democrats complained about its cost and a provision calling for a government run health care program that critics say could threaten the private system.
Pelosi sidestepped questions about whether the Blue Dogs are now on board after they met with Democratic leaders on Friday.
House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said he is having “extensive and spirited discussions,” with fellow Democrats about the bill. He said the Blue Dogs “believe that we need to pass and they want to support, health care reform.”
The Senate is marking up a bill that also includes a public health care option while another panel is struggling to come up with a bipartisan plan. Senators have become less certain that they will have a bill ready for a vote in that chamber before August.
