Senate Democrats were expected to have 60 votes Saturday to open discussion on their version of a health care bill, despite Republican encouragement of moderate Democrats to break from the party line.

Two Democratic lawmakers who originally withheld their support announced Saturday that they would vote to move the legislation forward.

"I believe it is more important that we begin this debate to improve this health care system for all Americans, rather than simply drop this issue and walk away," said Democratic Arkansas Senator Blanche Lincoln, the last Democrat to express support for the discussion.

"Spirited debate and good faith negotiations in this Senate have produced a bill that contains some amazing cutting-edge reforms that I am hopeful will reduce cost for families and small business while reducing the debt burden of the federal government," said Democratic Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, the next-to-the-last Democrat to express approval of discussion.

The measure would call for billions in new taxes for insurers and high-income Americans to help extend coverage to 30 million uninsured people.

Insurance companies also would no longer be allowed to deny coverage to people with medical conditions or drop coverage when someone gets sick.

New York Senator Charles Schumer said the bill will help small businesses survive the recession.

"Plain and simple, our small businesses will no longer have to compete, even those fortunate enough to have coverage," said Schumer. "Nearly 88 million don't have health care they can rely on. That's half of All americans aged 18 to 64 and their families."

In the weekly Republican Party's address, Idaho Senator Mike Crapo said the plan would drive up medical costs, raise taxes and increase government spending by up to $2.4 trillion. He also said the plan would cut Medicare for seniors by hundreds of billions of dollars.

"This is not true health care reform, and it is not what the American people want," said Crapo. "This bill will result in higher premiums and higher health care costs for Americans, period."

With the unemployment rate at double digits, Crapo said it is no time for a tax hike.

Under the bill, employers who don't provide health coverage would face a penalty, which Crapo said would lead to reduced wages and lost jobs.

The House of Representatives approved its version of a health care bill two weeks ago by a vote of 220-215.