Senate moves up final healthcare vote

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In a burst of holiday spirit, the Senate moved up its vote on final passage of the healthcare bill by 11 hours to allow lawmakers and staff a chance to enjoy Christmas.

The Senate scheduled the vote for about 8 a.m. EST Thursday. Originally the vote had been expected to occur at about 7 p.m. Christmas Eve.

Speaking on the Senate floor this afternoon, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada announced the agreement with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to move up the vote.

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-- Michael Muskal

Twitter.com/LATimesmuskal