News outlets began reporting about an hour ago that the Senate Finance Committee has rejected the public option that was part of chairman Max Baucus' (D-Mont.) health care reform bill by a vote of 15-8. According to CNN, Baucus admitted that the public option would "hold back meaningful reform this year."
The finance committee is the last to get their prints on the bill before House and Senate versions go before the full chamber of each body. Although still assailed by Republicans and more liberal Democrats, Baucus' bill is believed to be the version that's closer to gaining approval.
Stay tuned for more updates from EBN and BenefitNews.com as the reform debate continues. Meanwhile, comment with your thoughts on the finance committee apparently putting the final nail in the controversial public option.
