Senators ready to cast second of three votes on health-care bill

Senate Democrats secured a crucial victory shortly after 1 a.m. Monday on a party-line 60 to 40 vote to end a Republican filibuster of the bill, embarking on a long -- but now apparently obstacle-free -- march to a final roll call. As the chamber waited for the clock to wind down to a second vote, scheduled for 7 a.m. Tuesday, the American Medical Association officially endorsed the measure, while Democratic leaders defended the dealmaking that has brought the $871 billion legislation to the brink of passage.

Lacking the votes to block the bill, Republicans heaped scorn on the many concessions made to wavering Democrats in the quest to advance the package. GOP critics warned that support for the effort could mean the demise in 2010 of vulnerable incumbents, including Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.).

Republican Party Chairman Michael S. Steele accused Democrats of "thumbing their nose and flipping the bird to the American people." Conceding that the Senate bill is virtually unstoppable, Steele said in a conference call with reporters: "I intend to have my foot on the throats of the Democrats on this issue and hold them accountable." Democrats seeking reelection in 2010, he warned, "can look for their pink slips."

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) told reporters he was "disappointed" by Steele's remarks, calling them "crass and such a terrible example for the youth of this country."