NOW I LIKE THIS MOVE EVEN MORE...

I originally thought that Pelosi and Reid were avoiding a formal conference because the GOP really has nothing constructive to offer. It's also a way to avoid more GOP obstructionism:

January 5, 2010

Obama, House Dems finalize decision to bypass formal health care conference

Posted: January 5th, 2010 10:26 PM ET

From CNN's Dana Bash and Deirdre Walsh

In order to hold a formal conference, conferees – members of the House and Senate – must be appointed by both bodies, with resolutions passed by both the Senate and the House. Democratic leadership aides argue that getting those resolutions passed could delay and even derail Democratic efforts, because Republicans would be allowed to offer amendments and hold lengthy debates on the resolutions to appoint conferees.

Instead, White House, House and Senate Democratic leaders and their key committee chairmen will informally meet to find compromise between the two health care bills.