WASHINGTON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - A sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system cleared its first hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday when Democrats approved a rule setting the terms of the debate.
The procedural vote was a critical test of support for legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion healthcare system, which is President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. A vote on the legislation itself could come later on Saturday. Keywords: USA HEALTHCARE/RULE (john.whitesides@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202-898-8300; Reuters Messaging: john.whitesides.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
The procedural vote was a critical test of support for legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion healthcare system, which is President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. A vote on the legislation itself could come later on Saturday. Keywords: USA HEALTHCARE/RULE (john.whitesides@thomsonreuters.com; +1 202-898-8300; Reuters Messaging: john.whitesides.reuters.com@reuters.net) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2009. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.