I got this from Politico about 5 minutes ago and thought this would be great to get out there....
The Congressional Budget Office has determined that the health reform plan will cost $940 billion over 10 years, but will trim the federal deficit by $130 billion in the first ten years and $1.2 trillion in the second ten years, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said.
More below the fold
I think this means any worries on the healthcare vote is over. There were a lot of members just waiting to hear what this would say so they could come out in favor or against it. And honestly these numbers make it hard to come out against it.
This sets up a vote for early Sunday morning if Pelosi gives the 72 hours to read the bill which I think she should.
Sorry this diary is short but I thought it was important to get out there.
Update: Wow first time on the rec list. Thanks everyone! This is obviously a major victory. I really have a hard time seeing how this doesn't pass now. Anyone who was on the fence this just makes it easier to come out in favor!
I know a lot of people are still skeptical considering how much this bill and process has gone through and how we have heard we are close so many time but the final vote is now 72 hours away. We gotta make this final push and get this thing done.
UPDATE 2: There is a great article on huffington post here
UPDATE 3: Huffington post seems to agree with that this is a major boost to passing this bill...
A contingent of Blue Dogs has been holding out support, insisting that the bill be fully paid for and not increase the deficit. The numbers give a major boost to Pelosi and her leadership team, which can now begin the whip count in earnest and can specifically point to the cost savings.
WE are at the finish line! Time to push it across!
The article goes on to say...
The source said it also extends Medicare's solvency by at least 9 years and reduces the rate of its growth by 1.4 percent, while closing the doughnut hole for seniors, meaning there will no longer be a gap in coverage of medication. The CBO also estimated it would extend coverage to 32 million additional people
Update 4:
MSNBC is reporting that with the CBO coming out now that this sets up a Sunday noon vote! So 73 Hours from now....
I also kind of like the Sunday at noon showdown vote. Just sounds cool
Update 5 As long as this is on rec list I will try and keep it up to date on the developments, this is the most recent one...
President Barack Obama postponed his trip to Indonesia and Australia until June, White House press secretary Robert Gibbs announced. He was planning to leave Sunday, but the health care vote is expected Sunday as well. "Passage of health care reform is of paramount importance and the president is determined to see this battle through," Gibbs said.