From Arizona Congressman Jeff Flake. He was the Executive Director of the Goldwater Institute before being elected to Congress.

I thought I’d give you an update on the healthcare bill currently making its way through the Senate.

A few weeks ago we were told by Speaker Pelosi to keep our calendars clear through December 23rd, just in case the Senate finished the healthcare bill in time to produce a House/Senate Conference Report before the Christmas break. Gratefully, the Senate Democrats have to thread a very, very narrow needle in order to keep their caucus together. They’ve not been able to do it yet. It now appears extremely unlikely that final House/Senate action on the bill will take place before mid-January, at the earliest.

This delay favors those of us who believe in market-driven rather than government-dominated healthcare. The closer we get to next year’s congressional elections, the more difficult it is for Washington politicians to ignore their constituents. The longer this thing drags out, the better our chances are to defeat it.

Our own Senators McCain and Kyl have been fighting the good fight in this debate. Along with other conservatives, like Senators Coburn and DeMint, they?ve been doing their best to prevent this bill from becoming law. The odds are stacked against them, but they are refusing to back down.

Thanks for all you do. It’s been a tough year in Washington for those of us who believe in limited government. But with your help, the pendulum is starting to swing back?with a vengeance. Here’s to next year!

Jeff