Senate Democrats split on health bill's fate

WASHINGTON — Senate Democrats on Sunday sparred with each other over how to fix the nation's troubled health-care system, the moderates threatening to scuttle legislation if their demands weren't met and the more liberal warning their party leaders not to bend.

The dispute among Democrats foretells of a rowdy floor debate next month on legislation that would extend health-care coverage to roughly 31 million Americans. Republicans have already made clear they aren't supporting the bill.

Final passage is in jeopardy, even after the chamber's historic 60-39 vote Saturday night to begin debate.

Nebraska Democrat Sen. Ben Nelson and three other moderates — Democratic Sens. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana and Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas and Connecticut independent Joe Lieberman — agreed to open debate despite expressing reservations on the measure. Each has warned that they might not support the final bill.

One major sticking point is a provision that would allow Americans to buy a federal-run insurance plan if their state allows it. Moderates say they worry the so-called public option will become a costly entitlement program and that other requirements in the bill could cripple businesses.

The sway held by such a small group has annoyed their more liberal colleagues, who could vote against a final bill if it becomes too watered down.

The Senate bill would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide subsidies to those who couldn't afford it. Large companies could incur costs if they did not provide coverage to their work force.

The insurance industry would see significant new regulation under the bill, which would first ease, then ban the practice of denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.

Congressional budget analysts put the legislation's cost at $979 billion over a decade and say it would reduce deficits over the same period while extending coverage to 94 percent of the eligible population.

Sen. Michael Bennet, a junior Democrat who will seek his first full term next year in Colorado, where many districts lean conservative, said he would support the overhaul even if it means losing his seat.

"The thing that our working families need more than anything else is to end these double-digit cost increases that they're having every single year with health insurance," Bennet said.

Lieberman and Nelson have said they object to the public option. Nelson said Sunday he is open to negotiating the provision; he said he would prefer allowing states to opt into the program, instead of having to remove themselves.

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell said the lingering reservations by moderate Democrats indicate the party's leaders have gone too far.

No Republican voted Saturday to begin debate on the bill, which they said would cripple industry and drive up costs for the average American.

"I believe there are a number of Democratic senators who do care what the American people think and are not interested in this sort of arrogant approach that everybody sort of shut up and sit down, get out of the way, we know what's best for you," said McConnell.