David Axelrod, an adviser to President Barack Obama, predicted health-care legislation would pass “soon,” after Senate Democrats on Saturday secured the 60 votes needed to clear a path for quick Senate passage of the measure.
“We’re right on the one-yard line” with Senate Democrats reaching a deal, Mr. Axelrod said on CNN’s “State of the Union” which aired Sunday. “I believe this is going to happen soon”¦. People understand we’re on the doorstep of doing something really historic that will help the American people and strengthen our country for the long run.”
Senate Majority leader Harry Reid secured the pivotal 60th vote after a late-night deal on abortion coverage locked in the support of Nebraska Sen. Ben Nelson. The agreement capped weeks of negotiations aimed at building consensus on the White House-backed initiative.