From the New York Times:
After running through an obstacle course of Republican amendments and procedural objections, the Senate on Thursday afternoon approved of a package of changes to the Democrats’ sweeping health care overhaul, capping a bitter partisan battle over the most far-reaching social legislation in nearly half a century.
President Obama spoke about health insurance reform in Iowa City on Thursday.
Republicans, raising procedural challenges, identified flaws that struck out minor provisions to the bill. Because of those changes, it now goes back to the House for one more vote, though passage seemed virtually assured.
Democrats said they were confident the measure would soon be on President Obama’s desk for his signature.
The vote, just after 2 p.m., was 56 to 43, with the Republicans unanimously opposed. Senators cast their votes standing individually at their desks, a ceremonial gesture reserved for historic occasions. Three Democrats opposed the measure, Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor of Arkansas and Ben Nelson of Nebraska.
Count me relieved. I'll be even more relieved when the president signs the bill into law. Mary Landrieu voted yes. She said she would if the bill did not include the public option.
UPDATE: And the health care bill passes in the House!
