60 Democratic law makers from the US Senate, have cast party-line votes, opening debate on the biggest overhaul of healthcare in decades. The Democratic victory was assured earlier in the day after the party's last two holdouts, said they would support the motion but would not commit to backing the final bill without changes.
The Senate debate will begin on November 30th and is expected to last at least three weeks. The House of representatives has passed its own version, and differences in the two would have to be reconciled in January, before Obama can sign a final measure.
The healthcare reform bill would expand coverage to millions of uninsured citizens and bar insurance practices like denying coverage to those with pre-existing conditions.
U.S. Senate Majority leader Harry Reid speaks about healthcare reform legislation during a news conference at the Capitol in Washington November 19, 2009.