July 23, 2009 Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reported today that the Senate would not take up sweeping health care reform legislation until after the August recess. He reiterated his hope that the Senate Finance Committee might vote on a bill before the Senate adjourns on August 7. Senate leaders had hoped to pass legislation to meet President Obama’s informal August deadline. House leaders continue to express optimism that they will pass health reform legislation before the House adjourns next Friday, July 31. However, they are still struggling to reach an accord with conservative “Blue Dog” Democrats, who have raised concerns about the scope and cost of the House health reform bill.
