Lawmakers, lobbyists seek influence as bill gains more support

With a growing sense that Democrats may have the votes to pass healthcare reform, many participants are now attempting to shape the components of landmark legislation rather than to defeat it, the Washington Post reports. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-NV) is expected to request a cost estimate on the bill he has worked out behind closed doors, and lawmakers, industry executives, and lobbyists told the Post that this is the moment to exert maximum influence on legislation aimed at refashioning the $2.4 trillion healthcare sector.