Senators have 767-page amendment read to them on Senate floor, more health care gridlock

Health care overhaul bill slowed by read-a-thon

WASHINGTON — The Senate is in health care gridlock after a Republican senator forced the clerk to read aloud a 767-page amendment.

GOP Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma had sought approval to require that any amendment considered by the Senate must be offered 72 hours in advance and with a full cost report.

When he was rebuffed by Democratic Sen. Max Baucus of Montana, Coburn invoked his right to require that an amendment by another lawmaker be read aloud. That sent the Senate into limbo, since the amendment by Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont, is 767 pages long.

It’s unclear how long the procedural standoff will continue. Democrats are struggling to pass their bill by Christmas.

(This version CORRECTS 3rd graf to correct party for Sanders.) )