If the GOP Intended to Stall the Finance Bill, They’re Winning

There were 564 amendments filed to the enormous health reform bill being considered this week in the Senate Finance Committee. This morning — 26 hours after the debate began — the panel is still arguing over the first.

A provision sponsored by Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) would force committee leaders to draft legislative language — in lieu of the plain English provisions currently being considered — and post the bill on the panel’s Website for at least 72 hours prior to the committee vote.

The argument is entirely partisan. “This is fundamentally a delay tactic,” said Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.).

“Time is our ally, not our enemy,” responded Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine).

At this pace the panel will vote out a bill by Easter.