In healthcare news, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has pledged to allow a debate and vote on a single-payer healthcare plan before the end of the year as part of a deal with New York Congressman Anthony Weiner. The New York Daily News reports Weiner got Pelosi’s promise after he agreed to withdraw an amendment to essentially create Medicare for the whole nation during the House Energy and Commerce Committee healthcare markup session. After Weiner removed his amendment, the committee voted 31-28 for a healthcare reform plan that includes a “public option” plan.