Senate Democrats Move $600 Billion Healthcare Reform Bill Past Committee

Democrats on Wednesday successfully moved a $600 billion healthcare bill that includes a public option plan past the Senate Health Committee, overcoming tough Republican opposition and ahead of an August deadline set by President Barack Obama. In the House, markup of a just unveiled $1.5 trillion Democratic reform proposal began. By a 13-10 vote along party lines, members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee endorsed the bill crafted by Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA), the ailin