March 23, 2010
Today, the Senate began 20 hours of debate on the Reconciliation Act of 2010 that was passed by the House on Sunday.

During the 20 hours of debate, amendments, budget points of order, and Byrd Rule objections can be offered and debated. Democratic leadership is confident that the bill will pass muster and withstand all objections.

When the 20 hours of debate is concluded, an unlimited number of amendments and objections can be raised, but for each there will be no debate and the Senate will have only minutes to read them before they are voted on (with each vote lasting 5 minutes). We expect the parade of amendments to end by Saturday setting up a decisive vote on the Reconciliation Act which will bring the fight for healthcare reform to a close.

March 22, 2010
On the hill this week, following a weekend of intense debate and a historic vote in the House, the Senate will begin consideration of H.R. 4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010. In addition, the Senate is poised to vote on H.R. 1586, the FAA Reauthorization Act.

In the House, the Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing regarding Protecting Employees of Bankrupt Companies and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee will hold a hearing to go over Veterans Health Bills.

In the Senate, the Environment and Public Works Committee will hold a hearing on the Contribution of Transportation Policy to Energy Security and the Environment.

Due to the weekend votes in the House on healthcare reform, the House is not scheduled to consider any major bills this week.