Lawmakers are facing scrutiny from constituents over the August recess, but some signal they might be ready for a deal.
The Hill: "Two highly influential senators suggested on Sunday that key provisions in their chamber's health insurance reform legislation may be in jeopardy after they return from recess. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said that he would be willing to forgo a public health insurance option in order put a final bill to a full Senate vote soon. The Senate Finance Committee's ranking member, Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), said that the Senate might be better off considering an alternative bipartisan health proposal once thought to be off the table" (Fabian, 8/9).
The Washington Times: "But Mr. Durbin acknowledged that even if the Senate passes a health care reform package without the controversial public-option provision, Democrats, who control both chambers of the Congress, still could insert the provision in a final compromise during negotiations between House and Senate versions of the bill" (Lengell, 8/10).