Gang of Six

Gang of Six is the name given to either of two bipartisan groups of six Senators, with both groups consisting of three Democrats and three Republicans. One group, active in 2009, focused on health care reform in the United States during the 111th United States Congress. A different group, active in 2011, focused on following up upon the compromise over the United States public debt from the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Senator Kent Conrad of North Dakota participated in both groups.

2009 on health care

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into America’s Healthy Future Act. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2009.

During 2009, the Gang of Six referred to six members of the Senate Finance Committee of the 111th United States Congress who attempted to negotiate a compromise in passing a health care reform bill. Among the bills under consideration at the time were United States National Health Care Act, America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009, Healthy Americans Act (Wyden-Bennett), and America’s Healthy Future Act (Baucus plan).

The six states the legislators represent - Iowa, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming - have a combined population of 8.4 million, about the same as New York City, or 2.74 percent of the United States as a whole.

Democrats

Max Baucus (Montana)

Jeff Bingaman (New Mexico)

Kent Conrad (North Dakota)

Republicans

Mike Enzi (Wyoming)

Chuck Grassley (Iowa)

Olympia Snowe (Maine)

2011 on national debt

During 2011, the Gang of Six is led by Democrat Mark Warner and Republican Saxby Chambliss and includes four members of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform.

Democrats

Mark Warner (Virginia)

Dick Durbin (Illinois)

Kent Conrad (North Dakota)

Republicans

Saxby Chambliss (Georgia)

Mike Crapo (Idaho)

Tom Coburn (Oklahoma) Left Gang of Six and later returned

In July 2011, the Gang of Six proposed a solution to the US debt ceiling crisis. The compromise would cut the deficit by USD $3.7 trillion over ten years and was praised by President Obama.