Senate passes reconciliation bill

Breaking News Alert

The New York Times

Thu, March 25, 2010 — 2:26 PM ET

—–

Senate Passes Reconciliation Bill, 56-43

After running through an obstacle course of Republicanamendments and procedural objections, the Senate on Thursday afternoon approvedof a package of changes to the Democrats’ sweeping health care overhaul, capping a bitter partisanbattle over the most far-reaching social legislation in nearly half a century.

Republicans, raising procedural challenges, identifiedflaws 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 seemedvirtually assured.

Democrats said they were confident the measure would soonbe on President Obama’s desk for his signature. The vote, just after 2 p.m.,was 56 to 43, with the Republicans unanimously opposed.

Via the New York Times.