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Mike Lillis

New Journalist Fellow

Mike Lillis follows Congress for The Washington Independent. Previously, he has covered health care policy with Inside Washington Publishers, and been DC correspondent for Iowa’s Waterloo Courier. He lives in Washington, DC.

The Uplift: Celebrate Wins

Sherrod Brown Optimistic About Public Option

Mike Lillis

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is optimistic that the drama over the public option will end, telling CNN this week that the historical significance of the reform vote will ultimately be enough to sway the four moderates now opposing the public option to vote in favor of the bill.

Vote on Unemployment Insurance Pushed to Monday

Mike Lillis

The Senate will vote Monday evening on legislation extending unemployment benefits — a procedural vote that could clear the way for final passage as early as late Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) just announced.

GOP Blocks Extension of Unemployment Insurance

Mike Lillis

Last week, Senate Democrats proposed extending unemployment insurance by 14 weeks — with an extra six weeks for states with unemployment above 8.5 percent — only to have Republicans block the measure on the chamber floor.

Extra Abortion Limitation for Native Americans Only

Mike Lillis

The Senate last week approved an amendment to an Indian health care bill that would permanently prohibit the use of federal dollars to fund abortions for Native Americans except in rare cases. The move has prompted an outcry from women’s health advocates and from tribal groups.