In addition to the public option, Democrats in the Senate are also working hard on abortion language that will satisfy Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE), who’s threatening to filibuster if language restricting federal funding of abortions isn’t dramatically strengthened. That will have to wait, likely until next week.
“The language is not ready,” Nelson said of an amendment he’s working on, which he says is modeled on a restrictive amendment to the House health care bill written by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI). “I’m ready but the language is not.”
In all likelihood, the amendment will be offered once it’s clear that it won’t blow up the entire reform effort. So there you have it. Next week is shaping up to be a busy one.