Health care bill clears first Senate hurdle
WASHINGTON (AP) - Sweeping health care legislation has cleared its first hurdle in the Senate on a party-line vote.
The 60-39 vote clears the way for a historic debate after Thanksgiving on the legislation. The measure is designed to extend coverage to an estimated 31 million Americans who lack it and crack down on insurance industry practices that deny benefits.
The vote came in a rare Saturday session in the Senate.
Democrats posted 60 votes in a Senate showdown, precisely the number needed to overcome Republican delaying tactics.
