Reply #13: My guess (and it is a total guess) is that...

[YvonneCa]

...in a bi-partisan effort to deal with our debt, long term as we must, MANY senators saw a need for a commission to make recommendations. This would be faster and allow the Congress to work on several other issues at the same time...and time is of the essence,;) Such a commission does also provide political cover...and in such a divisive epoch as this :) that is of value...especially if you are up for re-election. Feingold faces that before Kerry does.

We have often seen two amendments proposed together in situations like this...one that Repubs like more and one that Dems prefer. I think Conrad/Gregg was the Repub preference. They have yet to vote on the Dem version (which I think Obama is for). I think there is a good chance the next amendment will pass. There WILL be a commission, but Senators aren't giving away their right to modify the findings. I think this is better than Conrad/Gregg. Senators who vote FOR both, can later say they supported bi-partisan reform...which may help when the are up for re-election.

I know that's somewhat cynical...but politics often is. Sadly. JMHO.