Mike Allen: "Senate Republicans tell us they plan a ferocious response if Democrats proceed with their plan to try to pass comprehensive health reform with simple-majority votes following Thursday's White House summit. A top aide tells us GOP senators may offer DOZENS and perhaps HUNDREDS of amendments, some forcing Dems to vote on such subjects as Gitmo and terror trials."
While debate time is limited when moving a bill using the reconciliation process, the number and content of amendments are not. Even though amendments must be germane, the GOP can force a vote in order to set them aside.
More: "Top aides tell us there are not currently 50 votes for the plan in the Senate, or 218 in the House. Moderate and endangered lawmakers want the spotlight off comprehensive health reform. Instead, it's about to take center stage."