This is kind of encouraging, while also being risky and complicated. EJ Dionne describes the latest plan for passing healthcare reform:
So here’s an idea, I have been told reliably, that leaders of both Houses are considering: The House would pass a version of the reconciliation bill containing the various amendments and send it to the Senate. The Senate would change it slightly (in ways that the House agreed to), which would require the House to vote on it again. Only after it got the revised reconciliation bill would the House take up the Senate bill. The House could then pass both bills and send both to the president. Problem solved, health-care passes, and we move on.
My worry, of course, is that this injects many more votes and a crapload of additional sausage into the mix. Lots of opportunities for asses like Lieberman or Stupak to throw wrenches into the works. Say nothing of further inciting the kill-billers and teabaggers. But at this point, my view is whatever it takes. They have to pass the Senate bill.