Dems' Bill on Fast Track?

Worried that Republicans will use a formal conference committee to stall the health-care bill even further, Democrats are "almost certain" to negotiate informally instead, reports The New Republic. This strategy allows them to avoid a series of procedural steps that would give Republicans the opportunity to stall the bill's passage. "This fight isn't over. My colleagues and I will work to stop this bill from becoming law," vowed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Christmas Eve. Democrats may now "ping pong" the bill, sending it back between the House and Senate until they agree on a single text.