Reconciliation rules set, deadline Oct. 15

TNR’s Jonathan Cohn talks to Congressional staffers who say that reconciliation instructions for healthcare WILL be included in the budget.

The House and Senate will have until October 15 to reach a healthcare reform deal without the fast-track option. If they can’t, reconciliation rules take effect and the bar drops from 60 votes to 51.

Cohn:

The deal was hatched late afternoon and last night, in a five-hour negotiating session at the office of Senate Majoriy Leader Harry Reid. A trio of White House officials were there: Rahm Emanuel, Peter Orszag, and Phil Schiliro. Also present, along with Reid, were House Budget Chairman John Spratt and Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad.