US health care bill clears second Senate hurdle

Washington: Democrats closed ranks again on Tuesday to advance a bill to overhaul the US health care system, a key goal of President Barack Obama.

With not a vote to spare, the Senate voted 60-39 to shut off debate on Majority Leader Harry Reid's version of the bill. An earlier vote to approve a 400-page package of changes that sealed Democratic support for the health care bill also passed 60-39, though only a simple majority was required. No Republicans voted in favour.

With partisan feelings running high, Reid appealed to senators to forgo personal attacks.

Democrats must pass another 60-vote test on Wednesday before they vote on final passage, expected to come on Christmas Eve.