Senate Passes Historic Healthcare Legislation

At 7 am this morning the Senate finally passed sweeping healthcare legislation. With a vote of 60 to 39, Senate Democrats tackled one of President Obama's top domestic priorities. The landmark bill was not an easy win for him with with weeks of internal fighting among Democrats and Republican attempts to slow down its passage.

With the Senate's first Christmas Eve vote since 1895, healthcare reform has one more step before it reaches President Obama's desk. After the Christmas break, the Senate and the House must come together in conference and reconcile their different versions into a single bill.

Also on hand for the vote was Victoria Kennedy, wife of Senator Edward Kennedy, former Senator of Massachusetts who passed away in late August. Senator Kennedy was a major supporter of healthcare legislation and spent the majority of his time in the Senate seeking it's reform.

We are incredibly close to making health insurance reform a reality in this country. Our challenge now is to finish the job," stated President Obama.

Senate Bill Highlights

More than 31 million Americans gain Healthcare Coverage

Mandate that everyone obtains health insurance

Cannot be denied based on pre-existing health conditions

Federal aid available for those who cannot afford to purchase healthcare