WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats have enough votes to pass it, but Republicans are vowing to delay passage of health care legislation as long as possible.
Democrats were jubilant Saturday after securing the support of Sen. Ben Nelson. He represents the 60th and deciding vote. The Nebraska Democrat won a series of concessions including restrictions on abortion coverage.
Nelson's backing puts President Barack Obama's signature issue firmly on a path for Christmas Eve passage. The next test vote is set for about 1 a.m. Monday.
Obama welcomed the breakthrough, saying health care reform is "on the cusp" of becoming reality "after a nearly centurylong struggle."
But Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell, denounced the bill as "a legislative train wreck of historic proportions."
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