Final House Panel Approves Health Reform Bill

Fox News reports:

A key House panel approved its version of major health care reform package Friday night, setting the full House up for a debate on the legislation after its August recess.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which voted Friday, was the last of three panels to approve a health bill. The vote, 31-28, was made possible by a deal brokered earlier this week between Democratic leaders and conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats, though health reform legislation still is being held up in one Senate committee.

The Blue Dogs wanted to dial back a "public option" where the government offers health care for Americans. They also sought protections for small business owners and significant cost reductions.

"We have agreed we need to pull together," said Rep. Henry Waxman, the Democratic committee chairman who presided over hours of private negotiations and public committee meetings.