WASHINGTON (AP) — The health care overhaul has cleared a major Senate hurdle but President Barack Obama's signature initiative has miles to go before becoming law.
The next step, sometime after Thanksgiving, will be a full Senate debate that's expected to be a bruising one. And the House has passed its own, different version.
Two independents joined all 58 Senate Democrats to get the 60 votes needed to push the measure another step forward.
One contentious provision is the so-called public option. It would allow the government to sell insurance in competition with private companies, something some moderate Democrats are uncomfortable with.
The bill would extend coverage to roughly 31 million who lack it, among other things.
The White House hailed the vote and Vice President Joe Biden says it's a big momentum-builder.
Republicans say it would raise taxes and create big debts.
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<<CUT …023 (11/22/09)>> 00:08 "of our lives"
Doctor Steven Sauerberg, Family Medical Center of LaGrange
Doctor Steven Sauerberg, one of many physicians holding protest rallies across the country Saturday, says the health care reform bill is too costly and it won't fix the health care system.
<<CUT …022 (11/22/09)>> 00:12 "freedom, ingenuity, creativy"
Doctor Steven Sauerberg, Family Medical Center of LaGrange
Doctor Steven Sauerberg, one of many physicians holding protest rallies across the country Saturday, says the health care reform bill won't help patients or doctors.
<<CUT …021 (11/22/09)>> 00:09 "health insurance reform"
Liz Gutierrez
Liz Gutierrez, spokeswoman for the National Association of Healthcare Underwriters, says her group is concerned about the current healthcare proposals. COURTESY: WTVD TV ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …020 (11/22/09)>> 00:07 "to the costs"
Dr. Darren Sommer
Dr. Darren Sommer, who took part in the Million Med March in Raleigh, North Carolina, says the current bill doesn't adequately address the cost issue. COURTESY: WTVD TV ((mandatory on-air credit))
<<CUT …019 (11/22/09)>> 00:03 "for his signature"
Senator Tom Harkin
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says he's ready to jump into debate. ((note length of cut))
<<CUT …018 (11/22/09)>> 00:04 "right before Thanksgiving"
Senator Tom Harkin
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin says the timing of the Senate's vote on health care is very appropriate.
<<CUT …017 (11/22/09)>> 00:12 "for all Americans"
Senator Chris Dodd
Connnecticut Senator Chris Dodd says the Senate has taken an historic step on health care, but it's only a step.
<<CUT …016 (11/22/09)>> 00:06 "would be happy"
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says Vicki Kennedy, the widow of Senator Ted Kennedy, called him soon after the health care bill passed its first hurdle.
<<CUT …015 (11/22/09)>> 00:09 "percent for sure"
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says there are still disagreements among Democrats about the health care bill.
<<CUT …014 (11/22/09)>> 00:17 "be held accountable"
Carlotta Bradley
AP Correspondent Carlotta Bradley reports Vice President Joe Biden says the Senate has handed the president a big victory on health care.
<<CUT …013 (11/22/09)>> 00:16 "reap political gain"
Carlotta Bradley
AP Correspondent Carlotta Bradley reports Vice President Joe Biden praises this weekend's Senate vote on health care.
<<CUT …012 (11/22/09)>> 00:36 "''
Carlotta Bradley
Vice President Joe Biden praises this weekend's Senate vote on health care. AP Correspondent Carlotta Bradley reports.
<<CUT …010 (11/22/09)>> 00:04 "and for all"
Senator Max Baucus, D-Mont.
Democratic Senator Max Baucus of Montana says the Senate has a great opportunity. ((cut used in wrap))
<<CUT …009 (11/22/09)>> 00:07 "that they like"
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the American people don't want this bill. ((note long pause in cut)) ((cut used in wrap))
<<CUT …008 (11/22/09)>> 00:28 "''
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee), AP correspondent
A health care reform bill has cleared its first major hurdle in the Senate. AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.
<<CUT …007 (11/22/09)>> 00:34 "''
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee)
The Democrats have moved their landmark health care bill past a key Senate hurdle. AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports from Capitol Hill.
<<CUT …006 (11/22/09)>> 00:41 "down the tracks"
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee)
Sweeping health care legislation has cleared its first hurdle with a 60-39 vote in the Senate. AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports. ((note: wrap has no lockout))
<<CUT …005 (11/22/09)>> 00:19 "are not allowed"
Senator Chris Dodd, D-Conn., presiding over health care vote
Senator Chris Dodd, presiding over the Senate as the health care vote is taken, announces the tally and scolds lawmakers when they applaud.
<<CUT …004 (11/22/09)>> 00:16 "by year's end"
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee)
AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the vote is a big win for President Barack Obama.
<<CUT …003 (11/22/09)>> 00:15 "of the debate"
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee)
AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports some moderate Democrats who voted for the debate still have issues with the bill.
<<CUT …002 (11/22/09)>> 00:19 "the year's end"
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee)
AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the stage is now set for a post-Thanksgiving debate.
<<CUT …001 (11/22/09)>> 00:34 "''
Sagar Meghani (SAH'-gur meh-GAH'-nee), AP correspondent
Democrats came together in a rare Saturday session to push the landmark health care reform bill to the next step. AP Correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.
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