U.S. health care bill clears 2nd Senate hurdle

Democrats closed ranks again today to advance a bill to overhaul the U.S. health care system, a key goal of President Barack Obama.

With not a vote to spare, the Senate voted 60-39 to shut off debate on Majority Leader Harry Reid's version of the bill. An earlier vote to approve a 400-page package of changes that sealed Democratic support for the health care bill also passed 60-39, though only a simple majority was required. No Republicans voted in favor.

With partisan feelings running high, Reid appealed to senators to forgo personal attacks. Democrats must pass another 60-vote test tomorrow before they vote on final passage, expected to come on Christmas Eve.

(Via MSNBC)

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