WASHINGTON (AP):

President Barack Obama's health care overhaul easily cleared the second of three critical Senate votes yesterday, moving it a step closer to passage by Christmas.

Democrats remained united in their goal of passing the legislation by the holiday, while Republicans were steadfast in opposition. The United States is the only developed country that lacks universal health care, and health care reform is Obama's top domestic priority. He has said that he could delay his holiday trip to Hawaii if he is needed in Washington to deal with last-minute issues.

The final 60-vote hurdle, which would end debate on the bill itself, is expected this afternoon, starting a 30-hour countdown to a night-before-Christmas vote on the bill, which needs only a simple majority to pass.