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In 1974, President Nixon proposed universal health care, financial assistance for those who needed it and a way to control costs - a plan strikingly similar to those on Capitol Hill now.

For nearly a decade, the two Senate Finance Committee leaders have found ways to bridge partisan divides to shape dozens of bills. But their partnership is being severely tested on a health care overhaul plan.

In an interview with KHN's Eric Pianin, Republican Grassley says his long-standing alliance with Democratic Finance Committee Chairman Baucus remains strong despite political pressure but won't influence his decision on whether to support bipartisan health care legislation.

New federal deficit numbers in combination with concerns that some voters have expressed at town hall meetings this August over the size, scope and cost of health care legislation may lead lawmakers to reconsider elements of the measure Democrats want to pass this year. The death of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., may create new momentum among Democrats and Republicans to resolve their differences over the bill, but the many complexities involved with any overhaul of the nation's health care system guarantee a lengthy debate this fall.

Every effort to remake America's health care system since the 1930s has been scuttled by the same technique - scaring the public. The opponents have been different, ranging from the AMA to the insurance industry to conservative ideologues. But the playbook has remained the same. This story comes from our partner

Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa, the ranking Republican on the Finance Committee, says that mounting public concern about the federal deficit and government spending could hurt prospects for a bipartisan health care overhaul deal when Congress returns to work next month.

In an interview with KHN, Grassley talks about the impact of town hall meetings on bipartisan negotiations.

Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. represents the smallest state in population but he has a big role to play in the negotiations to overhaul health care. Enzi is one of the "gang of six" senators crafting the Senate's health care bill. He says he won't vote for any measure that can't get the support of 75 to 80 senators. This story comes from our partner

A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.

A bipartisan group of Senate Finance Committee members continues its negotiations on a bipartisan health care package while some Democrats want the party to push its own package if those negotiations fail.

Jackie Judd talks with KHN's Jordan Rau about the advertising blizzard surrounding the health care debate. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent supporting and attacking efforts by President Barack Obama and Congress to overhaul the nation's medical system, with the ads running in the capital and the districts of key lawmakers.

Republican Sen. Charles Grassley's evolution - from legislator once complimented by President Obama for his willingness to work across the aisle to one of the president's critics on health care - is a sign that the chances for passing a bipartisan health care bill have all but disintegrated. This story comes from our partner

A guide to the definitions of the complex terminology of budget reconciliation.

If Democratic leaders and the White House use "reconciliation" budget rules this fall to try to pass health overhaul legislation without Republican support, how would it work?

Congressional leaders are considering invoking rarely used budget rules that would allow a health reform bill to be passed by a simple majority. But the technique could backfire and leave key provisions of the overhaul legislation vulnerable to Republican challenge.