Coming Attractions: Roadmap to Health Care Reform

By GottaLaff

Via the L.A. Times, an outline of what we will see in the coming weeks:

CLOTURE ON MOTION TO PROCEED
Required to end a Republican filibuster and begin debate on the healthcare legislation

When expected: Today

Votes required: 60

AMENDMENTS
Once debate begins, lawmakers from both parties will be allowed to offer amendments

When expected: Starting Nov. 30 through Christmas or beyond

Votes required: Subject to negotiation, with 60 likely for more contentious amendments

CLOTURE TO END DEBATE ON THE BILL
Required to end a Republican filibuster and move to a vote on the bill

When expected: Just before Christmas, though possibly later

Votes required: 60

ADOPTION OF THE BILL
Would send the Senate bill to a conference committee, where it would be reconciled with the House healthcare bill that passed two weeks ago

When expected: Just before Christmas, though possibly later

Votes required: 51

CLOTURE TO END DEBATE ON CONFERENCE REPORT
Would end GOP filibuster of the conference report that combines the House and Senate healthcare bills

When expected: Sometime in January

Votes required: 60

FINAL PASSAGE
Assuming House approval, would send the legislation to President Obama for his signature

When expected: Sometime in January

Votes required: 51

The article can be found here. I only gave you the accompanying primer.