A significant step forward has put the health care measure into a new minefield on the Senate floor.
At least three Democrats agree with Republicans that the plan is unacceptable as it currently stands.
In the end, Democrats fell in line to keep the reform plan alive,but for how long?
Some such as Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) cast votes in order to make sure the measure gets changed.
"I will not vote in favor of the proposal that has been introduced by Leader Reid as it is written", said Lincoln.
The current plan extends coverage to some 30 million Americans, and bars insurers from denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
Republicans argue that the overhaul extends too far.
"We don't have to tear down our whole system", said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX).
However it's the divide amongst Democrats that may in fact doom the plan.
"If there are a whole host of other items that are the same as they are right now, I wouldn't vote to get it off the floor", warned Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NB).
Chief among those items is the public option.
In an interview Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press", host David Gregory spoke with Democratic Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut regarding his reservations about the plan.
"You said you would not vote for it as matter of conscience, that you would even filibuster it if that stays in there. Still the case?"
"That's right", confirmed Lieberman.
Other splits remain on abortion and on new taxes on high-end health plans for which some unions have bargained.
"We're going to get health care reform", predicted Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV)
Democrats--who want an agreement by Christmas-are walking a tightrope.
Debate is scheduled to begin one week from today.
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