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Harry Hamburg/The Associated Press
Sen. Ben Nelson, D-Neb., talks to reporters early this morning after the 60-40 cloture vote, which is the first step on passing a health care bill on Capitol Hill in Washington. Nelson's vote was key to the effort's success.

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Landmark health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed its sternest Senate test early today, overcoming Republican delays on a 60-40 vote that all but assures its approval later this week."Let's make history," Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin said shortly before the bill's supporters demonstrated their command of the Senate floor in an extraordinary holiday season showdown.

By By DAVID ESPO December 21, 2009