Healthcare talks off, then on again

WASHINGTON, July 24 (UPI) -- Talks broke off Friday in a key U.S. House committee working on healthcare reform legislation but members said hours later talks were back on.

The talks had broken down after seven conservative Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee walked out, accusing Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif., of lying about a proposal to establish an independent commission to examine Medicare rates, the Hill reported.

Hours later, the so-called Blue Dogs joined Waxman in announcing the talks were back on track.

"Talks are back on," said Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., chairman of the Blue Dog healthcare task force.

"The chairman and I would like to retract some of the things that we said earlier today," Ross said.

One of the Blue Dogs, Rep. Charlie Melancon, D-La., had said Friday negotiations were not "legitimate" and Waxman had "decided to sever discussions with the Blue Dogs."

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., said it was unlikely the House would vote on healthcare reform by July 31. Hoyer said the House might delay the beginning of its August recess, and suggested it is also possible there will be no vote before a recess.