Sens. Bob Casey (D-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) both announced their support today for a public option to be passed via reconciliation.
Wyden, in a statement, said, “I’ve long believed we need a more competitive insurance market. If the House version of the public option came up for a vote in reconciliation I would vote yes.”
His office did not immediately say whether he plans to sign the public option letter written by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) to send to Senate leadership. That letter now has 24 signatories.
Last week, Wyden sent out a press release saying he was holding off on signing the letter until after the White House summit.
“He intends to first join the President in a good faith effort to see if a bipartisan solution is possible,” the release said.
Casey also said he supports passing the measure with a simple majority, but has not signed the letter.
“Senator Casey has not signed the letter, but supports what the letter calls for,” said his spokesman, Larry Smar. “He has been a longtime advocate for a public option. … He has made this known to Senate leadership as next steps are considered.”
“Whether he expressed his support by signing on to the letter or in his own way, the result is the same,” Smar added.
