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WASHINGTON (AP) -- There won't actually be a revised health care law by Christmas but Senate action expected the day before will open the door to final negotiations with the House.
President Barack Obama's health care overhaul cleared its second 60-vote test yesterday with one to go today -- a vote to limit debate on the full bill.
Democrats predict the final Senate vote Christmas Eve will result in approval of its plan to overhaul the nation's health care system.
At the White House, spokesman Robert Gibbs says health care reform is a matter when, not if.
The up or down vote tomorrow will only need a simple majority. Obama is delaying his Hawaii vacation until after the vote.
The Senate has been voting at odd hours as Republicans use all the time allowed under Senate rules to delay the bill and Majority Leader Harry Reid refuses to postpone action until after the holidays.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
