Next up in healthcare reform: Resolving the differences

So what's next in the fight for healthcare reform? The House and Senate need to resolve the differences between their two bills before a final version can be sent to President Obama for consideration. From the L. A. Times:

Reporting from Washington - As the Senate lumbers toward passage of its healthcare bill, Democrats are looking ahead to the potentially difficult process of reconciling its substantial differences with the more-liberal House version -- the last major obstacle before President Obama can sign landmark legislation into law.

The final Senate vote on the healthcare bill was set for 8 a.m. Thursday, Christmas Eve, as Republicans held the floor today to criticize the measure and delay its enactment. Democrats are hopeful that the momentum generated by the long-awaited Senate vote -- and the high political stakes involved in finishing the job -- will grease the wheels of negotiations with the House.

"Each side knows we cannot fail," said Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.). "Each side knows they have to give."

But after lawmakers enjoy what is left of the holiday season in their home states, they will return to wide and deeply held differences between the House and Senate bills on federal funding for abortion and the liberals' dream of establishing a "public option" -- a government plan that would compete with private insurers -- to guarantee access to affordable insurance.

The full article is available on the L. A. Times website. Bottom line: Much work remains to be done, much dealmaking is likely to occur, but little of it is likely to happen this week. Stay tuned to the V4CF Action Blog... we'll keep you posted on developments.

From the AP Wire: 'Health care bill clears key Senate test'

As reported this evening, moments after the U.S. Senate's late-night vote:

WASHINGTON – Landmark health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed its sternest Senate test in the pre-dawn hours early Monday, overcoming Republican delaying tactics on a 60-40 vote that all but assures its passage by Christmas.

"Let's make history," said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, shortly before the bill's supporters demonstrated their command of the Senate floor in an extraordinary holiday season showdown. The bill would extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who now lack it, while banning insurance company practices such as denial of benefits on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

The atmosphere was intensely partisan, but the outcome pre-ordained as senators cast their votes from their desks, a practice reserved for issues of particular importance. Administration officials who have worked intensely on the issue watched from the visitor's gallery despite the hour.

So, too, Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who championed health care across a Senate career that spanned more than 40 years.

The full story is available at Yahoo! News.

V4CF to co-sponsor day-long Candidate Training seminar Saturday, Jan. 9

Volunteers For Change-Fresno, along with allies the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, the CLC and the College Democrats, is co-sponsoring a day-long Candidate Training seminar, designed for candidates, potential candidates and campaign staff, scheduled 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the CWA Hall, 4422 E. Ashlan Avenue, in Fresno. Want to get elected to public office? V4CF invites you to attend.

The Candidate Training seminar will focus on how to be an optimal candidate, and places participants in touch with experienced people who have 'been there and done that.' The training will address what it takes to be an effective candidate for public office, how to enlarge your circle of advisers, and how to find valuable resources that can help you to succeed. The cost to attend is $15 per person, with lunch provided.

Topics to be addressed at the training will include:

* Building your team
* Messaging
* Fundraising
* Presentation
* Public speaking
* Meeting voters
* Understanding labor
* Attitude and movitation
* Media, and more.

Presenters will include:

* Michael Rubio
* Henry T. Perea
* T.J. Cox
* Patsy Montgomery
* Randy Ghan
* Susan Good
* Debilyn Molineaux
* Chuck Riojas
* Mai Thao
* Warren Meyers
* Michael D. Evans

Interested? To register or for more information, contact Michael D. Evans via e-mail at evansm@usa.net. We hope to see you there!

Senate and House healthcare reform bills compared -- again

Here's the latest comparison of the Senate's and the House's versions of healthcare reform legislation. After a year of ceaseless work, some from supporters and some not, the Senate's version may come for a vote as soon as tonight, with passage expected.

Associated Press recap of both bills.

Meanwhile, supporters of healthcare reform remain divided about the Senate version. Some (like Howard Dean) say 'kill it and start over,' while others (like the White House) say 'don't miss this opportunity to move things in a better direction.'

Should the Senate approve their bill, a conference committee between the House and Senate will remain necessary, to work out the many differences in the bills before they can go to President Obama's desk for signature or veto.

Stay tuned... it's not over yet.