The Senate’s debate on HB 248, the governor’s insurance exchange bill, is still going, three hours in; several senators have now debated for a second time. “We all want to do the right thing,” said Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill, R-Rexburg. “Many will criticize your choice here today, either way you vote, because the choices we have stink. But the critics are wrong if they question what’s in your heart, and I thank you for what I see in your hearts. I’m proud of you.”

Sen. John Tippets, R-Montpelier, is now giving the closing debate. He told the Senate, “I think that one thing we can agree on is this has been a frustrating process. ... I'm saddened about how this issue has divided the body.”

“We can say no. We can say it all we want,” Tippets said, “and the federal government will simply come in and impose a federal exchange.”