Obama healthcare bill passes Senate vote
US healthcare bill passes Senate vote
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By Alistair Potter. |  |
Monday, 21, Dec 2009 12:30
By Richard James.
Barack Obama's healthcare reforms have passed a vital vote in the Senate, paving the way for the bill to be passed before Christmas.
In the early hours of Monday a procedural measure to block Republican delaying tactics was passed by 60 votes to 40.
Analysts claim the move all but assures the passage of the divisive healthcare reforms through the US Senate.
Commenting after the vote, Democratic senator Tom Harkin said: "We'll get this passed before Christmas and it will be one of the best Christmas presents this Congress has ever given the American people."
The bill is expected to provide health cover for some 30 million US citizens currently without health insurance.
Republicans have continued to oppose Mr Obama's plans with bitter debates breaking out in Congress for months.
After less than a year in office the radical bill has also placed the president's political standing on the line with many suggesting a failure to get the reforms passed would represent a devastating blow to his authority.
Among those who witnessed the late-night voting in Washington was Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Edward Kennedy, the Democrat senator who championed healthcare for over 40 years.
Speaking ahead of the crucial vote, Mr Obama said in a TV address: "After nearly a century-long struggle, we are on the cusp of making healthcare reform a reality in the United States of America."