Is a Split Bill the Solution?

The White House and Democratic leaders in the Senate may abandon efforts at achieving bipartisan support and split their health-care overhaul into two parts with the most costly pieces passed with only Democratic votes, according to the Wall Street Journal. With public support waning, giving Republicans less incentive to reach across the aisle, splitting bills could allow Democrats to pass legislation by the end of the year, the goal set by Barack Obama. This strategy still leaves a window open to establishing a public option, the Journal said. "Patience is not unlimited," a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "and we are determined to get something done this year by any legislative means necessary." Obama will meet with aides next week to discuss the possibility of this new plan. Said one Democratic aide, "It's fair to say the steam is going out of these bipartisan negotiations."