OK, DUers, I need a civics' lesson............

[louis c]

We have two Health Care bills. One in the House, with a public option, one in the Senate, without a public option and with a mandate. The bills are very different. I know we go to a conference committee. One appointed by Speaker Pelosi for the House and the other by Leader Reid for the Senate. I guess it's three and three. A new bill created in conference will go to both branches. Am I correct so far?

Now, here's where I get a little lost. Can the new bill be amended in either branch? Can the new bill still be filibustered in the Senate?

Make me smart, fellow DUers.

[Captain Hilts]

1. The conference committee amends it, the two bodies just vote on it.

[louis c]

2. How about the filibuster?

[Captain Hilts]

3. When the senate votes and a loser knows they're going to lose. To prevent the vote from coming

up at all.

[ThomWV]

7. I believe it can't happen in the case of bills coming out of conference

I'll reply to the main post

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

4. The reconciled bill can contain any elements of either chamber's offer.

Yes, it can be "filibustered."

[louis c]

5. Thanks for the info

I bet we never get a final bill passed and signed.

The House bill passed by five votes and we can't hold the Senate if we lose even one. The Senate bill sucks and shouldn't and couldn't pass in the House.

Reconciliation is the only answer. The Dems have to show some guts a play to their base (us).

[BrklynLiberal]

6. Bet you are right..

Civics needs to be taught in the schools again....

[ThomWV]

8. When they come out of Conference its an up or down vote in both Chambers

The bill that comes out of Conference can't be amended by either house - its put up or shut up time. I believe time is alloted to each side to discuss the bill but then its an up or down vote on what is in front of them - all the changing and arguing is over with by that point. Both Chambers have to pass the exact same bill and if they do then it goes forward, if not, then not.

[louis c]

9. Again, can it be filibustered?

If it can't be filibustered, then the move to approve a watered down version in the Senate is genius. They go to conference, enact the House bill with the public option. They pass it in the House and get 55 votes in the Senate.

I just don't think it can be that easy.