One after another they filed in.
The vote called Senators to a snowy Capitol by 1 A.M.
92-year old Robert Byrd was wheeled in.
High-profile guests came to watch what would be the health care measure's biggest test.
Democrats got their sixty votes and leading up to it they knew the stakes.
Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid said, "We are reshaping the nation, that's what we want to do, we have to do."
In twelve hours of debate Republicans united against the measure.
Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander said, "Our friends on the Democratic side seem determined to pursue a political kamikaze mission toward a historic mistake."
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "This impact of this vote will long out live this one frantic snowy weekend in Washington."
The plan extends health care coverage to more than 30 million Americans, it cuts the deficit over ten years, according to Congress' budget office, and bars many insurance abuses.
Iowa Senator Tom Harkin said, "No more canceling your policy just because you got sick."
Critics vow to still try to stop the measure.
Arizona Senator John McCain said, "We are not going to give up after this vote!"
Even if Democrats prevail, they'd have to merge very different House and Senate bills.
The House measure includes a public option, stricter limits on abortion coverage and a new tax on wealthy Americans to pay for it.
The Senate plan taxes high-end health plans instead.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement