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JUNE 29, 2001

Sponsors of a patients' rights bill making its way through the Senate on Thursday predicted passage as early as today or possibly Saturday.

Yesterday, the Senate again defeated a number of amendments offered by Republicans who said without them, President Bush would veto the bill.

By a vote of 53 to 44, the Senate defeated a Susan Collins (R-Maine.) amendment that would have let states get out of compling with federal regulations. Instead, in a compromise vote of 64 to 36, the Senate approved a John Breaux (D-La.) amendment to let states keep their own regulations if they resembled federal ones.

The Senate approved 96 to 4 an Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) amendment to limit lawsuits against employers who don't participate in making medical decisions for employess. A Christopher Bond (R-Mo.) proposal to restrict attorney's fees was rejected 62 to 38.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.) says he may delay the Fourth of July recess to finish up the bill.

Get the Bills:
Kennedy, Edwards, McCain | Frist, Breaux, Jeffords

Get the Story:
Patients' Rights Endgame Nears (The Washington Post 6/29)
Bush Faces Defeat on Patients' Rights (The New York Times 6/29)
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