HEALTH "REFORM" LATEST - AT 6:32 P.M. ET:  From the Washington Post:

The Senate narrowly rejected an amendment that would have restricted abortion coverage in the pending health-care bill, leaving in question whether Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) has the 60 votes needed to move the bill toward final passage.

The measure, which failed 54-45, addressed the scope of restrictions on coverage of abortion services for people who receive subsidies to buy insurance. The outcome was expected, but could cost the support of Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), who has threatened to filibuster the $848 billion bill unless abortion restrictions are tightened.

Reid told reporters earlier Tuesday afternoon he would consider other language to allay Nelson's concerns. "If in fact he doesn't succeed here, we'll try something else," Reid said.

The vote came amid intense final negotiations on the bill, as Reid aims to wrap up debate on amendments and begin a long procedural stand-off with Republicans -- possibly extending 10 days -- before the bill can come to a final vote before Christmas.

COMMENT:  What a complete mess.  Does anyone know what's in this bill?  There seems to be a drive to pass anything. We can only hope that Republicans, joined by "moderate" Democrats, will filibuster the monstrosity to death.

But, sadly, in the end, we will probably see a few liberal Republicans, like Olympia Snowe, going along, and moderate Dems caving in, even if it costs them their jobs.  And we will probably see something passed by a narrow margin.

And then the trouble begins.

December 8, 2009