US healthcare reforms backed by Barack Obama passed a vital vote in the Senate , clearing the way for a bill to be passed before Christmas.
In the early hours a procedural measure to block Republican delaying tactics was passed in a 60-40 vote, with unanimous Democrat backing.
The vote all but assures the passage of healthcare reforms through the Senate, a feat that eluded generations of Democrats.
“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,” Democratic senator Tom Harkin said.
The bill will provide 30 million uninsured Americans with health cover.
In 13 hours of dramatic talks on Friday, the Democratic leadership was forced to accept further whittling down of the bill at the hands of Bob Nelson, an outspoken anti-abortionist. Provoking a storm of protest from pro-abortion groups, Reid placated Nelson by introducing an amendment that would ensure no federal money was spent subsidising abortions.
Read more at The Guardian.
Tags: US healthcare
