Tuesday, March 02, 2010 Back in those days, reconciliation bills were constructed through what I recall were 26 subconferences, divided up among subject matter and jurisdiction so the 60+ Senate conferees and 200+ House conferees (that's right! Look it up in the '80s.) could meet minds. My "15 minutes of fame" went just fine until I stepped into a dispute between Senate Committees over turf (not the place for a House staffer!). It seems that this year's resort to the reconciliation process may be somewhat more orderly and controlled. Let's hope it is as productive.
Healthcare Reform Moves Closer to a Conclusion
Final action on health care reform? That's the betting following the February 25 Summit at the White House bringing together Democratic and Republican Senators and Representatives to lay their cards on the table. The Blair House event reminded me of a time long long ago when, as a twenty-something Staff Counsel to the House Budget Committee, I along with a Senate staff counterpart sat before the assembled Chairs and Ranking Members of all the House and Senate "money" committees (except Appropriations) to help sort out a Budget Reconciliation conference.
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