Senate Democrats are riven, in a way, over the question of whether the 60-member caucus ought to stick together on procedural motions, to block the Republican minority from preventing key legislation from receiving an up or down vote. With a floor debate on health care reform around the corner, liberals are insisting that Democrats not kill their own bill by supporting an expected Republican filibuster. But moderate and conservative Senate Democrats tend to demure. Case in point, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA).
Speaking to constituents, Webb said that, while he’s inclined to let a health care bill have a debate on the Senate floor, he’s making no promises regarding his willingness to kill the bill in the end.
Loosely translated, Webb is saying he won’t block Senate health care legislation from having a debate on the floor. But as for when it comes time end debate and give the bill an up or down vote? Webb isn’t making any promises just yet. That doesn’t mean he’s a potential liability for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. But yet another sign that Democrats are split over whether to give their own agenda a majority vote.
