Senate Democrats spent Sunday touting their accomplishment in bringing the controversial health care reform bill up for a debate.

In a rare weekend session, the Senate voted 60-to-39 along party lines to push the Democrat-backed bill forward.

The debate is expected to begin after the Thanksgiving holiday.

The package is designed to extend health coverage to roughly 31 million people who lack it, prevent insurance companies from denying or cutting off benefits, and slow the growth of spending on medical care nationally.

Talking on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday, Senator Charles Schumer expressed optimism for the bill and reminded critics that states would be allowed to opt out of the public option.

"Last night was a very good night for us," Schumer said. "Look, there are many bumps in the road, discussions, arguments, disagreements, but the wind is at our back. There is real momentum and the good news is we have a very diverse caucus but every Democrat from the most liberal to the most conservative very much wants to get a bill."

Schumer says that universal healthcare issues have been debated long enough and now is the time to act. However, some Senate Republicans say they will launch a "holy war of delay."

"First of all, American people by public opinion have made it clear they want this whole thing aired out. They would rather have us do it right then do it quickly, we have had so many deadlines -- it has to be done before August, has to be done before October and now the president says he needs it by the end of the year," said Arizona Senator John Kyl. "The reality is this is a huge issue affecting every American and we need to do it right. "

The House has already approved its version of a health care bill, narrowly passing two weeks ago by a vote of 220-to-215.