United States

What's Next: Health Care ‘Vote-a-Rama' and the End Game

What can be expected from the health care bill? More debating. Senate leaders are expected to have 20 hours debate before a final vote.

When the debate is done, the Senate moves on to what is unofficially called the "Vote-a-Rama," possibly as early as Thursday. During this period, senators from both parties can offer an unlimited number of amendments which are voted on without debate.

But there are limits: Their amendments have to be relevant to the bill and they can’t increase the deficit. They also can’t use the process to filibuster a bill by speaking indefinitely.

What's the end game? It’s not certain, but the most prominent idea being floated right now is a "skinny repeal" bill that would eliminate Obamacare’s requirements that individuals buy insurance and employers provide it, along with the law’s medical device tax.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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