Senate Passes Historic Health Insurance Reformed Bill 60 to 39

Senate Democrats passed a historic health insurance reform bill this morning that may one day define President Barack Obama's Presidency.

The 60-39 vote on Christmas Eve morning closed months of arduous negotiations and floor debates. It also follows a succession of failures by past congresses to get to this point.

Vice President Joe Biden presided as 58 Democrats and two independents voted "yes." And, 39 Republicans voted "no."

The Senate bill must now be merged with the House bill before President Obama can sign a final bill. There are significant differences between the two bills.