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The biggest debate for Florida lawmakers all year has been whether or not to expand healthcare in the state using federal money. As Matt Galka tells us, the Florida House – the plans main opponent – got their first full crack at the proposal Thursday.

For 2.5 hours, question after question was fired at Democrat Mia Jones about the Senate’s healthcare expansion plan.  Jones took up the proposal that uses federal money to cover uninsured or under insured Floridians because it didn’t have a House sponsor.

“I don’t really feel that we had much movement as I would like to see. I’m hopeful that after tomorrow that we would have some of the amendments that would address some issues and concerns that would raise,” said Rep. Jones (D-Jacksonville).

The House has been a staunch opponent of expansion.  The Senate made it a priority after concerns of other healthcare holes in the state budget. They have attempted to amend it to give the state the power to end the program in three years or if the federal government backs out of giving Florida money. The House speaker wasn’t sold.

“Why would you even go through a process like this to just say you’re going to sunset it?” asked House Speaker Steve Crisafulli after the floor session ended.

Two and a half hours of questions gave way to what is sure to be a lengthy debate over the bill on Friday. A full vote from the Florida House is set for Friday morning. Democrats say they’ll have some Republican support.

“The number is anywhere between 3 and I would say 10 to 12,” said Rep. Mark Pafford (D-West Palm Beach).

They’ll need more than that if they want the bill to pass.

The Senate passed their plan overwhelmingly on Wednesday but have indicated that if it doesn’t pass the House, they’ll need to move on to passing a state budget and revisit healthcare funding later in the year.