The 60-40 vote, with all 58 Democrats and two independents voting in favor, came at about 1 a.m. and blocked a potential filibuster by Republican lawmakers. Mr. Obama spoke in the White House's Diplomatic Reception Room before announcing a government cost-saving plan. He repeated his message that the reform plan will save the government money and make insurance available and more affordable for millions more Americans -- including small-business employees, seniors and those denied coverage by insurance companies because of pre-existing conditions. The president said the bill will save the federal government $132 billion over the first decade, "so I want to be clear for those who continue carping about how this bill will increase the deficit." Senate Democrats are trying to hold a final vote by Christmas Eve. Original Article |
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