In other news from Washington, concern is growing that Democratic leaders will lack the sufficient votes to include a public option as part of a healthcare reform bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is reportedly backing a plan that would establish a public option but allow individual states to opt out. Reid is said to be pushing the proposal despite acknowledging it could fall short in a Senate vote. Meanwhile, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has reportedly determined she currently lacks the necessary votes to establish a “robust” public option. The news website Politico reports the vote count will likely lead to a weaker “trigger” proposal, in which a form of the public option would only be established if the insurance industry fails to meet certain coverage goals.