Statement from Baucus's office:

"The time has come for action and we will act.  We must move forward if we are going to get this bill done by the end of the year. 

I just met with my Finance Democratic colleagues and laid out the path for moving forward.  I will put out a Chairman's Mark [a draft legislation] early to mid-next week and I will move the Finance Committee to mark-up health care reform the week after next.

This is our moment.  We have spent many weeks and months on this crucial issue.  Now is the time to move forward."