The compromise Senate health reform bill cleared its first major hurdle early this morning, as senators voted strictly along party lines to block a Republican
“„The vote was 60 to 40— a tally that is expected to be repeated four times as further procedural hurdles are cleared in the days ahead, and then once more in a dramatic, if predictable, finale tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
“„Both parties hailed the vote as seismic.
“„Democrats said it showed them poised to reshape the health system after decades of failed attempts. [...]
“„Republicans said that the bill was fatally flawed and that voters would retaliate against Democrats at the polls in November.