Step one: passage (maybe) – step 2: justification

My prediction on the health care bill(s) – this is far from over. The health care bill will last through the cherry blossom buds of Washington until the Easter break. Both parties are on unsure and politically treacherous footing in this quagmire.

Democratic members have spent 14 months trying to pass a health care bill while they enjoyed a super-majority of both houses. Their second step is justifying all of that time and energy spent on an almost law that will not provide any tangible benefits to anyone until 2014.

Republican members have to justify their parliamentary sleight-of-hand while making a case that some health care reform measures are needed (specifically tort reform and better insurance company oversight). Of course, they have to do this while trying to win enough seats to repeal any law that is passed between now and October.

The passage of the health care bill is the first salvo in a long war of justification for both parties. Can Democratic members of the House and Senate pass a constitutionally sound bill? Will Republican members be able to shift public perception to the failure of the other party to get anything done? Only time and polls will tell…