House Releases Final Bill–Vote Possible by Weekend

November 4, 2009

House leaders released the final version of their nearly 2,000-page health package late Tuesday, clearing the way for a vote by the full chamber as soon as this weekend.

But Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (Md.) declined to say when debate would begin on the measure, issuing a statement that said Democratic leaders were still talking with their members.

"With the completion of the Manager’s Amendment to the Affordable Health Care for America Act, we are now in the final stage of moving this critical bill through the House," Hoyer said. "We pledged we would make this amendment available for 72 hours before a vote. Now that the Amendment is posted, the clock has started."

"We are continuing to discuss this legislation with our Members, and I will bring it to the Floor once we have consensus and in keeping with our 72 hour pledge."

The final version of the bill can be accessed on the Rules Committee Web site.