GOP, Dems Split on Policy Rider Vote

The Hill reports:

House Republicans and Senate Democrats are disagreeing over a key facet of the budget deal struck on Friday.

Republicans say the agreement calls for up-and-down votes on policy riders that would defund the implementation of healthcare reform and defund Planned Parenthood. Democrats contend the pact calls for a 60-vote threshold.

During a press conference on Tuesday, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said the votes on healthcare reform and Planned Parenthood will be "up-or-down" in the Senate.

Asked if that meant 60 votes would not be needed for passage, Cantor responded, “That is correct.”

But Jon Summers, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), told The Hill that 60 votes are required for the budget agreement, as well as both policy riders.