Baucus' Bill: How Key Committee Members Voted
Democrats have yet to iron out the differences amongst themselves.
Oct. 13, 2009— -- The Senate Finance Committee today approved by a 14-9 vote the health care bill proposed by committee chairman, Sen. Max Baucus. The legislation by the Montana Democrat was hailed as one most likely to get some bipartisan support and pass on the Senate floor but it received only one Republican vote.
It was also the least costly of the five different bills proposed by Democratic lawmakers. The Congressional Budget Office said it will cost $829 billion over 10 years, versus the $1 trillion plus price tag on some of the other bills.
Several former Republican leaders -- like health and human services secretary under George H.W. Bush Dr. Louis Sullivan, and former Senate majority leader and presidential candidate Bob Dole -- had expressed support for Baucus' bill, but opinions of GOP committee members were unchanged.
Here's a look at some key senators and which way they voted and why:
Baucus has taken criticism from many, even from within his own party, for the provisions included in his health care overhaul bill.
For one, the senator has broken apart from the rest of the Democratic pack who say the option of a government-run insurance plan should be included in any reform bill. Baucus voted against two amendments offered by Democrats to add the public option to his bill, arguing that it would not pass on the Senate floor.
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