Under that bipartisan proposal, non-itemizers would have been able to deduct only half their contributions over $500.

But the coverage issue is not the only major sticking point raised by the bipartisan proposal.

Neither does the bipartisan proposal include nearly as much aid to states for long-term care as the Mitchell bill would.

Maryland and Virginia lawmakers have already submitted a bipartisan federal proposal to cover half the cost.

The new Congress already has a bipartisan proposal in the works to update the public financing formula in time for 2012.

Congress is considering a bipartisan proposal that could help: a national sales tax holiday.

The bipartisan proposal would also restrict medical malpractice litigation, which doctors say contributes to rising health costs.

There are other, much better bipartisan proposals before Congress that have greater support.

Tell them of your support for this bipartisan proposal.

The bipartisan proposal would also give the victims of domestic violence greater leeway to decide whether their cases should proceed in criminal or family court.