Health care bill clears second Senate hurdle

Two down and one to go. The health care bill has passed another 60-vote test in the Senate.

Democrats remained united as they started voting at sunrise Tuesday, pushing toward their goal of passing President Barack Obama's health care overhaul by Christmas.

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 Wednesday before they vote on final passage, expected to come on Christmas Eve. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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