Republicans Torn On Christmas Health Care Deadline

Republicans aren't ready to bring the health care reform debate to a merciful close just yet, and it seems very much as if they will object if Democrats seek to hold the final vote earlier than Christmas eve, which is when it's currently scheduled to happen.

"I know that the Majority Leader came over to see the Minority Leader this morning," said Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) emerging from a Republican caucus meeting. "Based on what I heard in this last lunch meeting, I am keeping my [flight] reservation for Christmas day morning, and I am very happy as a citizen of this country...to keep it that way."

Republicans could in theory agree to let Democrats speed up the vote process, but that seems unlikely.

"There has been [objection to speeding things up] so far," said Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-AZ)

The outstanding issue appears to revolve around separate legislation--a must-pass bill to raise the country's debt ceiling. If Republicans don't relent, and the final health care vote occurs on Christmas eve, Senators could have to return to raise the debt ceiling immediately after Christmas--interrupting a holiday week at home. If, on the other hand, they reach an agreement with Democrats, they could wrap up everything by Christmas eve, and begin a belated, but uninterrupted, three week recess.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK), who has vociferously opposed yielding to the Democrats on any issue related to health care, told TPMDC earlier today that he would object categorically to finishing health care, or debt ceiling legislation, earlier than the current schedule calls for, but there does seem to be some pressure among the GOP ranks to reach an agreement. We'll let you know how things shape up.