Republicans have lost two seats in the Senate, boosting Democratic prospects for keeping control of the upper chamber.

The leader of the House of Representatives said today that she lacks the votes to move the Senate’s sweeping healthcare reforms Bill through the House, dealing a jarring blow to Democrats’ hopes of finally speeding US President Barack Obama’s top domestic priority through Congress.

President Barack Obama’s plan to overhaul the US health care system passed a “critical milestone” after a key Senate panel cleared the reform bill.

President Barack Obama’s plan to overhaul the US health care system overcame a major political hurdle today after a key Senate panel cleared the reform bill.

President George Bush threatened to veto legislation setting a date for a troop withdrawal from Iraq, despite growing bipartisan calls in Congress for an end to US participation in the war and sharp criticism of the Iraqi government.