WASHINGTON (CNN) - Two sources familiar with the "Gang of Six" bipartisan talks say Senate Finance Chairman Max Baucus, D-Montana, could distribute a proposal to the other five negotiators as early as this afternoon.
In a conference call Friday, Baucus made clear to the other senators he wants to move forward very soon with a health care bill.
Democratic sources say Baucus is well aware that with the president's Wednesday speech looming, and the White House already looking at other avenues to pass a health care bill, time is virtually up for this group, which had been negotiating intensely all summer.
A big open question is whether two Republicans, Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Sen. Mike Enzi of Wyoming, will support the bipartisan proposal.
White House and Democratic leadrship sources have said for some time they do not think Grassley and Enzi will sign on.
Baucus is hoping to find out the answer to that question by distributing a proposal this weekend, ahead of the group's meeting Tuesday.
From CNN Politics
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Why do we call a new entitlement program for 46 million people reform. Its more government spending that we and our kids have to pay for.
It is time, and high time to pass a meaningfull health care reform WITH a public option. With or without the party of No.
Baucus...."could", would, or should? Baucas has made a mess of this and let his PAC money drag this down. The gang of six from small populated states are to make a decision for the rest of the US? Not to mention their in-fighting makes them look totally inept!
If Baucus was coming up for re-election in my state I would vote no. He can't seem to do the job. He doesn't serve the people he serves his PAC.
At this stage, Bakus' "change" , er, I mean "bill" is going into the trash bin with a NO SAVE. It's OVER.
I'll be a long time before the Dems trust him with another bill, now THAT's FOR SURE
There have been no intense negotiations. Senator "Snake in the Grassley" and Senator "Enzi-all" are both full of "BULL PUCKIE". Neither has ever had any intention of doing anything other than killing Health Care Reform. Both they and Democratic Senator Baucus need to be taken out behind the shed and have the wrath of an uninsured mad Democratic female unleashed upon their caucuses.
Here is another dumb situation! Why is it that it will end up with the "Gang of 6" making the decision on health care?
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO "OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS WORKING FOR THOSE THAT ELECTED THEM INTO OFFICE?
This whole health care business is only a POLITICAL GAME PLAYING!
What motivates Obama? I still don't know – he's no Ted Kennedy that's for sure.