The Senate Finance Committee today will begin considering amendments and compromises to a long-awaited, and controversial health care bill in a much anticipated hearing chaired by Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT). The panel will vote on hundreds of changes to the legislation, with the goal of passing the package quickly on either a partisan basis, or with the support of one Republican: Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Among the proposed changes include the addition of a public option, a "triggered" public option, enhanced subsidies for middle-class insurance consumers, and a modification to improve the troubled employer mandate provision.

Some committee Democrats have said they'd need to see significant changes to the bill before they can support it. We'll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings, so check back here for important updates.