The big buzz word in terms of health care these days seems to be "reconciliation." And the looming question is, will the democrats use the parliamentary maneuver to push their health care legislation through? For those who haven't heard the talking heads pontificate on this subject, reconciliation is a procedure that the democrats included in the 2010 budget that allows them to pass health care reform with only a simple 50 + 1 majority in the Senate. This would allow them to bypass the normal cloture proof majority required for bill passage (60 + 1), and in effect cut Republicans and conservative Democrats out of the process.

The move obviously would make it easier for Democrats to pass a bill, but at what cost? A recent Quinnipiac University survey found that 59% of Americans are opposed to health care reform that isn't bi-partisan. As we see it, that number goes up if reconciliation is used. But then again, reconciliation is simply a means to an end, and the end is pretty important. But it is not time to give up hope. We are not yet at the point where Republicans should be thrown under the bus to ensure that this reform goes through. They're in the minority, but their ideas should still be brought to the table.

That being said, it is now time to limit their role. Over the weekend, ranking Republican on the Senate Finance Committee Chuck Grassley of Iowa, hinted that all these months of negotiations may still result in a bill he can't support. This, coupled with growing unease in the Administration that he is not serious about creating a compromise bill, leads the Newell campaign to think it might be time for the Democrats to get up from the table and write the bill on their own.

Things move slowly in Washington, we understand that. But if your partner is not negotiating in good faith, they move even slower.

This is not a bill that Congress can meander their way through. It is the President's top legislative priority, and it is absolutely essential to rebuilding the foundation of our health care system and our economy. That is why, it's is time for the Democrats to simply produce a bill -- their bill. Then the Republicans can offer amendments, we can have vigorous debate, and ultimately pass a health care reform bill that truly brings about change.

And the only way to do that, is to get up from the negotiating table. Otherwise, we might be stuck their forever.

--Newell for Congress