Healthy debate

A major legislative overhaul of U.S. healthcare seemed to be a sure thing just weeks ago, and some sort of change remains likely. But as details emerge and costs become apparent, industry groups and moderate Democrats are starting to balk | Edward Lee Pitts

Newscom

WASHINGTON—When the current congressional healthcare debate began, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus gave reporters a bold prediction about the chances of passing a major medical overhaul this year: 100 percent. "It's a given," said the Democratic senator from Montana. "It's inevitable."

That boast was in early June. This is Baucus now: "We're not there yet. I'm trying the best I can to get there soon."

Against all expectations, the healthcare debate seems to be following what's become a summer pattern for major legislation: Heady confidence in June evolves into humility as the weeks progress. In 2007 it was supposed be the summer of immigration reform. In 2008 lawmakers attempted to deal with $4-a-gallon gasoline by tackling energy. But in both cases dramatic floor speeches and numerous made-for-television events wilted rhetoric in the humid Washington summers and resulted in zero significant legislation.