Public Option Rejected, For Now

The Hill: Finance panel rejects public option

The Senate Finance Committee rejected two attempts by Democrats to attach a government-run health insurance plan to the panel’s healthcare bill, delivering a blow to liberals who say it is essential to reform.

The votes underscored the deep divide among Democrats over the most controversial aspect of healthcare reform, President Barack Obama’s signature domestic policy initiative.

But the two votes hardly end the debate on the provision. Liberals are expected to push for more votes on the Senate floor, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is insisting the House bill include a public option and GOP centrist Sen. Olympia Snowe (Maine) is floating the idea of “triggering” a public option if the insurance industry fails to meet certain requirements.