The Senate voted 60-39 this evening to cut off a filibuster, thus allowing debate on the health care bill that is pending in the Senate, the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act. Links to news stories below.
On a straight party-line vote, the Senate voted for cloture on the health care reform bill, thus sending the bill to the floor of the Senate so that members can debate its merits and offer amendments. Here are accounts of today's debate and the vote from CNN, MSNBC, ABC News, CBS, and Fox News. The only Senator who did not vote on the motion to end the filibuster was George Voinovich (R-OH).
Yahoo News reports that Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued this statement on behalf of the President:
"The President is gratified that the Senate has acted to begin consideration of health insurance reform legislation," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
"Tonight's historic vote brings us one step closer to ending insurance company abuses, reining in spiraling health care costs, providing stability and security to those with health insurance, and extending quality health coverage to those who lack it. The President looks forward to a thorough and productive debate," Gibbs added.
Steven Koff of the Cleveland Plain Dealer posted this article containing a statement from Senator Voinovich reaffirming his opposition to the health care bill and explaining in some detail his reasons for opposing the bill.
Visit Professor Huhn's website on health care financing reform for links to information about proposed legislation, studies and reports, public agencies, and private organizations concerned with this issue.
