Skip to content

Snowe Keeps Coy on Support for Health Bill

Moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine), possibly the only Republican who may ultimately support the Finance Committee’s health care reform package, was coy Tuesday on whether she would vote for the $856 billion legislation when it comes up for a final vote.Snowe, in her opening statement at the markup session of the committee’s bill, appeared to suggest that the package includes components that are both encouraging and unacceptable. Echoing Finance ranking member Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) criticism, Snowe complained that not enough time has been given to craft a workable plan.“The mark before us is a solid starting point. But we are far from the finish line,— Snowe said.Snowe was one of three Republicans to participate in the gang of six talks in Finance, where she, Grassley and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) attempted to negotiate a consensus health care bill with Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) and Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman (N.M.) and Kent Conrad (N.D.).Democrats have been candid that Snowe may be their best bet for GOP votes on the health care plan.The gang of six talks ended without agreement when Baucus chose to move ahead with the legislative markup. Republicans have charged that Baucus bowed to pressure from the White House and Senate Democratic leaders.“I, like Sen. Grassley, regretted that those negotiations prematurely concluded,— Snowe said.

Recent Stories

Hillraisers and Spam dunks — Congressional Hits and Misses

Federal court dismisses challenge to TikTok ban

Photos of the week ending December 6, 2024

Trump publicly backs embattled DOD pick

Rep. Suzan DelBene will continue as DCCC chair for 2026

Seniority shake-up? House Democrats test committee norms