Senate Democrats will have to win several procedural votes if they are to send President Obama a healthcare bill.
AMENDMENTS
Lawmakers from both parties are allowed to offer amendments to the healthcare bill.
When expected: Now through Christmas or beyond.
Votes required: Subject to negotiation, with 60 likely for more contentious amendments.
CLOTURE TO END DEBATE ON THE BILL
Required to end a Republican filibuster and move to a vote on the bill.
When expected: Just before Christmas, though possibly later.
Votes required: 60
ADOPTION OF THE BILL
Would send the Senate bill to a conference committee, where it would be reconciled with the House healthcare bill that passed two weeks ago.
When expected: Just before Christmas, though possibly later.
Votes required: 51
CLOTURE TO END DEBATE ON CONFERENCE REPORT
Would end GOP filibuster of the conference report that combines the House and Senate healthcare bills.
When expected: Sometime in January.
Votes required: 60
FINAL PASSAGE
Assuming House approval, would send the legislation to President Obama for his signature.
When expected: Sometime in January.
Votes required: 51
Source: Times research
