Tremendous differences separated even the 10 members self-appointed to come to a consensus. The problem was exacerbated because, to offer a credible alternative, the bipartisan group needed to retain the support of a majority of Republicans. The fiscally conservative Republicans had less interest in reforming the health care market than in seeing the President fail in his attempt to pass health care legislation. Unfortunately my experience with the bipartisan effort supplemented my list of lessons learned in the Ways and Means Committee. Financing issues, like politics, take precedence over policy.
Staff are incredibly powerful.
They are also often young and inexperienced. Nevertheless, members rely on them. Staff are charged with actually drafting the legislation, with assistance from legislative counsel. And as usual, the devil is in the details, just more so in this case. In addition, staff present the issues to the members, and in doing so, can explain as much or as little as they choose.