House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on Tuesday that a part of the health care bill will be tackled as a separate measure next week. A comprehensive health care legislation was submitted by the House last year, but it was not in harmony with the Senate’s version. Due to the delays, Democrats are now pushing for individual measures to be taken up to keep the momentum of the health care reform going.
The House is preparing to vote on a proposition that would remove the anti-trust exemption of the health insurance sector, according to Pelosi. Removing the exemption, which involves price-fixing and market allocation, will promote competition in the industry, which may lead to lower prices.
The House’s version of the bill includes the proposal to eliminate the anti-trust exemption, but this provision was not part of the Senate’s version.
Pelosi met with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid on Tuesday to discuss the issue further.
The Democrats had been on the verge of passing the comprehensive bill without the support of the Republicans. However, the win of Republican Scott Brown in Massachusetts derailed its progress.
Democrats have suggested that Reid should employ the legislative tool called ‘reconciliation’, in which some of the parts of the bill would be approved with 51 votes only.
Pelosi also suggested for a two-step process to take place. This would allow the House to vote for provisions that have earned popular backing. She has also emphasised the need to pass a more comprehensive measure on health care reform.
