Healthcare, financial regulation and unemployment benefits a priority for Congress this week

By: Amy Williams
Posted by: Scarlett Lu

Congress returns to work Tuesday after taking an extended weekend to honor Columbus Day and by the looks of the schedule, they'll have plenty to keep them busy.

All eyes will be on the Senate Finance Committee as it prepares to vote on Max Baucus's (D-MT) $829 billion healthcare bill. While the measure is expected to pass through committee, not everyone has pledged full support, namely Olympia Snowe (R-ME). Baucus was buoyed last week by the Congressional Budget Office's assessment of his bill whereby the non-partisan agency declared that his legislation would help reduce the deficit over the next 10 years. On Monday, however, the American Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) rained on Baucus's parade by criticizing his healthcare legislation stating it would cost Americans more money by 2019. click here to read more