WASHINGTON - US SENATE Democrats geared up for a lengthy battle over a new healthcare reform plan on Thursday as Republicans condemned the bill's cost and taxes ahead of the first key vote this weekend.
Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid's 2,074-page blueprint for overhauling the US$2.5 trillion (S$3.47 trillion) healthcare system quickly launched what promises to be a long and bitter debate over President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.
Mr Reid said the Senate will vote on Saturday on whether to move to debate on the legislation - the first key procedural hurdle for the Senate plan and one that requires 60 votes from the 100-member body. 'The finish line is in sight,' Mr Reid said. 'I'm confident we'll cross it soon.'
But whether Democrats
succeed depends on Mr Reid's ability to keep his party's caucus intact. There is no room for error - Democrats control exactly 60 votes, and so far Republicans are united in opposition.
Mr Reid dodged questions from reporters about whether he had the votes needed to move forward. 'We'll find out,' he said.
If the Senate agrees to take up the bill, the debate is expected to begin on Nov 30, after the US Thanksgiving holiday next week. It would last for at least three weeks. Senior Democratic senators have said it is unlikely Mr Obama will have a completed bill on his desk by the end of the year. -- REUTERS
