Grassley: Still Committed to Health Care Talks
Senate Finance ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) said Wednesday afternoon that he remains committed to the bipartisan health care talks in his committee, while signaling that he can work with the framework Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) proposed for a reform bill.However, Grassley conceded that he has problems with Baucus’ proposal, and said he submitted counterproposals earlier Wednesday. Grassley also acknowledged he might ultimately not be able to sign onto the bill.“If we don’t reach a bipartisan agreement, then of course he announced today he’s going ahead,— Grassley said.Baucus announced Wednesday following a Democrats-only meeting of the Finance Committee that he would issue his mark next week, and proceed with a markup of health care reform legislation the following week.Grassley suggested Baucus was under pressure to conclude the bipartisan talks and begin marking up a bill.“I think he feels a great deal of pressure to move on, and I think I have to respect that pressure,— Grassley said.