The U.S. senate met in a special weekend session Saturday, and the result is one giant step for President Obama's health care overhaul.

Voting along party lines, Democrats overcame Republican opposition, moving one of President Obama's signature domestic proposals closer to law.

Senate Democrats found the 60 votes they needed Saturday night to advance President Obama's health care legislation, clearing the way for a formal debate on the Senate floor in the coming weeks. The vote prevents a threatened Republican filibuster - an open ended debate designed to stall and sidetrack the health care overhaul, so central to the Obama administration. 58 Democrats and two independents produced the 60 votes needed to move on.

But at mid-afternoon the outcome was still in doubt until two Democratic holdouts finally agreed to allow the bill to come to the floor. Blanche Lincoln of Arkansas said, "I believe it is more important that we begin this debate to improve our nation's healthcare system for all Americans rather than just drop the issue and walk away."

Louisiana's Mary Landrieu said, "I've decided there are enough reforms and safeguards in the bill to move forward but much more work needs to be done."

The senate's version of health care reform would insure 31 million more Americans costing 849 billion dollars over 10 years. Republicans argue the plan would add billions of dollars to the deficit during an economic crisis.

Senator Bond of Missouri said, "It's filled with costly budget gimmicks and asks the people of America to spend over two trillion dollars on proposals that will heap a mountain of debt on their children and grandchildren."

John McCain of Arisona said, "I think Bernie Madoff went to jail for this kind of behavior."

Now the stage is set for the formal debate to begin on the senate floor after the Thanksgiving recess. Amendments will be offered, and several days of bruising speeches are expected.

President Obama said he is gratified that the senate has acted to begin consideration of health insurance reform legislation. He said he looks forward to a thorough and productive debate.

Senator Tim Johnson voted for the bill, and Senator Thune voted against it.

© 2009 KSFY Action News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.