Max Baucus

The Senate Finance Committee, chaired by Montana Senator Max Baucus, a Blue Dog or conservative Democrat, recently voted 14 to nine in favour of a healthcare bill that got the support of only one Republican Senator, Olympia Snowe of Maine. Barack Obama praised the efforts of the Baucus committee, though he indicated that there was still much work ahead, especially if he is to sign a bill before the holiday season. There are now five bills out of committee. Working from these, each House of Congress will produce one of their own that will end up either in a conference (resulting in a compromise bill worked out between the two Houses) or in reconciliation (resulting in a bill considered without the possibility of a filibuster even if it adds to the deficit). Either way, it seems likely Obama will have a health care bill to sign within his first year in office.