Keeping an eye on health reform, Democratic leaders are moving closer toward a final bill to put up for a vote in the House and Senate.
Washington-based news organization The Hill reports Democrats are at work merging the House and Senate versions, syncing up funding and revenue mechanisms. The New York Times' Prescriptions blog says lawmakers reached a compromise, but it's all talk right now. No one can say for sure when work on a final bill will be complete (Update: Some reports indicate work could be done by Friday. Still, I'm having a tough time believing it will be done and voted on by the annual State of the Union speech).
The political climate in Washington is extremely partisan right now as politicians gear up for midterm elections. Republicans are not involved in current negotiations. They're on the outside, but vow to defeat health care reform.