Second U.S. House panel approves healthcare overhaul

WASHINGTON, July 17 | Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:40am EDT

WASHINGTON, July 17 (Reuters) - A second U.S. House panel approved on Friday legislation to overhaul the $2.5 billion healthcare industry, but lawmakers were still struggling to find out how much it will cost and how to pay for it.

The Education and Labor Committee approved legislation written by Democratic leaders, after working through the night on amendments, most of which were offered by Republicans and rejected. The House Ways and Means Committee acted on its version, which includes tax increases, early Friday morning. The Energy and Commerce panel was scheduled to work on its sections into next week.

Lawmakers aim to bring the estimated $1 trillion healthcare overhaul to the Democratic-controlled House before August. (Reporting by Jackie Frank)

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