Public Option Killed (Again)

Top House leaders could pass the health-care bill without the public option, as committee chairs of both houses of Congress merge their versions of the legislation during reconciliation. Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the bill will “hold the insurance companies accountable,” whether it includes the option or not. With this compromise, the House expects to get some concessions from the Senate, such as revoking the antitrust exemptions for insurance companies. Lawmakers hope to have a deal by early February.