Baucus: Gang of Six meeting 'productive'

A teleconference of the Gang of Six on Friday reached a "productive" conclusion, and the group plans to meet again on Tuesday to "take stock" of the health care debate, said Sen Max Baucus (D-Mont.), chairman of the Finance Committee.

From his release:

"Today's call was a productive one. We addressed a number of issues at hand and the next steps moving forward. Health reform is certainly a significant challenge and each time we talk, we are reminded just how many areas of agreement exist. We agree we need to take control of health care costs and make health insurance affordable for families and small businesses. We agree all Americans should be able to choose – and be able to afford – a quality health care plan. And, we agree health care reform should be fiscally responsible and not add to the deficit.

After a month in our states, we'll sit down together on Tuesday, take stock of where we are and determine how to best pass real reform. I am committed to getting health care reform done – done soon and done right."

Baucus' reassurance comes at a time when Democrats are beginning to fear the Gang of Six is on the verge of collapse. The White House has even started negotiating directly with one of its members -- Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Me.) -- on its own health care compromise.