By Sofia Sanchez University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Thursday that the Senate could couple a student loan bill with health care reform legislation and pass both by reconciliation.
“We are entitled to do both health care and education by reconciliation,” Reid said. “But ... I want the [Democratic] caucus to make that decision. I don’t want to do it on an arbitrary basis.”
The student loan reform bill, pushed by House Education Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.), would limit the authority that banks have over student loans.
Reid declined to speculate whether members of the lower chamber were concerned that the Senate would not act on a reconciliation package if members were to approve the Senate’s unpopular health care legislation.
“I have a lot of difficulties doing what I can to maintain the Senate as an orderly body. I am not going to get into the House and how they are going to vote,” said Reid.
Health Care And Student Loan Reform Could Be Passed By Reconciliation
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters Thursday that the Senate could couple a student loan bill with health care reform legislation and pass both by reconciliation.
“We are entitled to do both health care and education by reconciliation,” Reid said. “But ... I want the [Democratic] caucus to make that decision. I don’t want to do it on an arbitrary basis.”
The student loan reform bill, pushed by House Education Chairman George Miller (D-Calif.), would limit the authority that banks have over student loans.
Reid declined to speculate whether members of the lower chamber were concerned that the Senate would not act on a reconciliation package if members were to approve the Senate’s unpopular health care legislation.
“I have a lot of difficulties doing what I can to maintain the Senate as an orderly body. I am not going to get into the House and how they are going to vote,” said Reid.