White House: Reconciliation An Insurance Policy On Reform

The White House defended the potential use of budget reconciliation to fast track policy initiatives, calling the procedural move an "insurance policy" on its attempt to revamp the U.S. health-care system.

"The president believes that this provides, no pun intended, a little bit of an insurance policy to make sure that people are engaged in finding a solution for a problem that's vexed Congress and the public for decades," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said Monday.

With the White House's prodding, lawmakers are expected to authorize the use of reconciliation for health-care and education issues in the federal budget, overriding opponents in both parties. Reconciliation bills can't be filibustered, smoothing the way for passage in the Senate, where Democrats hold 58 seats - just shy of the 60 votes needed to break a filibuster.

Republicans worry that inclusion of reconciliation on the budget resolution is an initial step toward circumventing their involvement in crafting a health overhaul. Senate Democrats on Monday sought to provide reassurance that the reconciliation is a last-ditch option.

"There's a strong desire on the part of members to work together," said Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn., a key player in negotiations on the health bill.

Democrats would employ the tactic only if negotiations fell apart, according to Dodd.

"The concern is that, if that breaks down, we don't want to lose the opportunity to achieve something so important for the country as a health care bill," Dodd said.

At the White House, Gibbs said both parties have regularly taken advantage of the reconciliation.

"There are many examples of public policy that have come as a result of reconciliation, whether it's welfare reform, or tax cuts in 2001," Gibbs said. "So this is the beginning of a very important process, and we hope that both parties and actors that are involved in the health-care equation from across the political spectrum will work and act in good faith towards finally bringing about a solution that finally cuts the cost of health care."

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