Let the Debate Begin

After a tumultuous lead-up, the U.S. Senate has voted to hold full debate on a health care reform bill. The vote was 60-39, with all Republicans, except one who was absent, hitting the “no” button.

The BBC:

The US Senate has narrowly voted to hold a full debate on a landmark bill designed to overhaul the country’s healthcare.

All 58 Democrats, plus two independent senators, approved it. All but one of 40 Republican senators voted against.

Two Democratic senators whose support had been in doubt earlier said they would back the package, a key election pledge of President Barack Obama.

The White House said Mr Obama was “gratified” by the result.

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news.bbc.co.uk

Sen. Harry Reid speaks ahead of the showdown Senate vote on moving to debate a landmark health care reform bill.