The long road ahead
Today's procedural vote is only the first of many that Senate Democrats will have to win in coming months if they are to send President Obama a healthcare bill.
Senate Democrats facing numerous votes on the path to healthcare reform
CLOTURE ON MOTION TO PROCEED
Required to end a Republican filibuster and begin debate on the healthcare legislationWhen expected: Today
Votes required: 60
AMENDMENTS
Once debate begins, lawmakers from both parties will be allowed to offer amendmentsWhen expected: Starting Nov. 30 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 billWhen 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 agoWhen 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 billsWhen expected: Sometime in January
Votes required: 60
FINAL PASSAGE
Assuming House approval, would send the legislation to President Obama for his signatureWhen expected: Sometime in January
Votes required: 51
Source: Times research
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