US Senate passes health care reform bill

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The US Senate Finance Committee has passed a health care reform bill which is seen as a crucial step in President Barack Obama's plans to overhaul the country's health system.

The legislation, drafted by Democrats, was approved by 14 votes to 9. The bill largely meets Obama's goals of expanding health insurance coverage while reducing deficits.

The full Senate will vote on a health care reform bill the week after next. That will merge elements of the bill passed earlier by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.