This procedural move was part of a strategic plan by the Democrats to try to stall legislation on the floor until a vote is guaranteed on the managed care bill. Please find attached information regarding S.6, The Patients' Bill of Rights of 1999. This bill encompasses part of the overall Republican bill and now includes a host of tax provisions such as full tax deductibility for the self-employed and higher limits on medical savings account. Democrats have reiterated that they will offer their managed care initiatives, piece by piece, to the agricultural bill unless Republicans promise debate on patient protection legislation before the Fourth of July recess. These motions, known as a parliamentary maneuver called cloture, will be voted on Monday, June 28, and require an approval by 60 Senators to pass.
Cloture acts to limit debate and brings a measure to a vote.
Senate Democrats charge that the Republican legislation is limited in its protections for patients. The Senate Republican bill would allow 161 million Americans with private insurance to have internal and external appeals when coverage is denied. Democrats would apply protections to all insured patients.