Senate leaders on Tuesday are scheduled to take up the Democrats' health care reform bill in what's expected to be a raucous debate through at least the end of the year. The bill would establish a government-run insurance program, require nearly all Americans to obtain insurance, issue tax credits to help purchase coverage and fine some employers that don't provide it.
Nearly all Republicans are unequivocally opposed to the legislation, putting the burden of finding 60 votes on Democrats, who hope to pick up a handful of Republicans.
The public insurance plan is going to play a significant role in the debate, despite the fact that the Congressional Budget Office estimated that only about 6 million people would end up on the plan. It has become the most significant lightning rod - many Democrats deem it necessary to drive down costs, while Republicans say it would give government too large a role in health care. Other sticking points are likely to be the cost and the impact on the deficit; funding for abortion; and coverage of illegal immigrants.
In the Senate, where the bill can't pass without 60 votes, every lawmaker will matter. But here are the people to watch out for...
SOURCE: Washington Times
