Eighteen Senators have signed a letter asking Harry Reid to push for the public option using reconciliation, which would allow Democrats to pass it with just 51 votes. (Republicans may be able to slow or halt the processing with procedural objections.)

Appearing on MSNBC tonight, Sebelius said the administration would back that decision.

“Certainly. If it’s part of the decision of the Senate leadership to move forward, absolutely,” she told Rachel Maddow.