KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Saturday Night Set for Initial Health Care Vote
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The Senate will hold its first vote on health care legislation on Saturday night and Democrats will need 60 votes to prevail. Majority Leader Harry Reid announced the schedule on the Senate floor, one day after unveiling a nearly $1 trillion bill to expand health coverage.
At a Capitol Hill rally Thursday, Reid said that the $848 billion, 10-year bill he unveiled hours earlier will save lives, save money and save Medicare. The Nevada Democrat said the bill is not just a milestone in a journey of a few months or a few years. Rather, he said that it culminates an effort that began over a half century ago. Reid evoked former President Harry S. Truman, saying the Democrat knew that the health of the American people is linked to the health of the American economy. Reid was joined by several Democratic senators.
Republicans have vowed to block passage of the measure, and Democrats must put up 60 votes to clear the way for a lengthy debate next month. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
