US healthcare overhaul a step closer

US SENATE Democrats cleared the second of three 60-vote hurdles on President Barack Obama’s healthcare overhaul yesterday, moving its version of the landmark legislation one step closer to passage before Christmas.

For a second straight day, Democrats mustered 60 party-line votes to cut off debate on the healthcare bill and move towards Senate passage over unanimous Republican opposition.

The last 60-vote hurdle will come today, with a vote to approve the bill — which requires a simple majority in the 100-seat chamber.