Updated 11/30/2009 03:27 PM
Senate Opens Debate On Health Care Bill
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The U.S. Senate is beginning debate today on its health care overhaul bill, but eventual passage of the measure is far from a done deal.
All 58 Senate Democrats and two independents voted on November 21 to open debate, but getting another 60 votes to pass the bill could prove more difficult.
Some Democrats say they will not vote of a bill that includes a so-called "public option," while others say they won't approve a bill without it.
Still others want tighter restrictions on abortion coverage.
No Republicans are expected to cross party lines to back the measure.
The $848 billion plan would extend coverage to 94 percent of Americans and prevent private insurers from denying coverage because of pre-existing medical conditions.
The House of Representatives narrowly passed its version of the bill earlier this month.