Gang of Six

Gang of Six refers to six US Senators on the Senate Committee on Finance who are powerful players in the health care reform debate and are united in bipartisan opposition to fundamental health care reform. According to the Washington Post, "Democrats are particularly wary about Sens. Charles Grassley (Iowa) and Mike Enzi (Wyo.), the two conservative negotiators, who are counting on other Republican support to materialize. But so far, none of their colleagues have come forward. Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.), the leader of the group, said talks would continue over break and that lawmakers may schedule sessions in other cities. But Obama and Baucus have both warned that Democrats would give up on the Finance talks if a formal agreement isn't reached by Sept. 15. Other members of the group include moderate Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) and Democratic Sens. Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.) and Kent Conrad (D-N.D.)"