Conference of Mayors hails healthcare vote

WASHINGTON, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors says the healthcare reform bill passed by the U.S. Senate is the most important piece of healthcare policy since Medicare.

The bill was passed Thursday by a vote of 60-39. Members of the U.S. House and Senate will now begin merging their respective bills.

"Not since 1963, has the U.S. Senate convened to vote on legislation on Christmas Eve. It is appropriate the most important piece of healthcare policy since the creation of Medicare is passed on this landmark day as an early Christmas gift to the American people. We are one step closer to providing essential health coverage for millions of Americans," CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran said in a statement.

The Senate vote was also praised by AARP.

"Passage of the Senate healthcare reform bill clears the way for Congress to enact legislation in the coming weeks that will protect and strengthen Medicare, ensure millions more Americans can get affordable health coverage and sharply curtail discriminatory insurance company practices that keep those most in need out of the system," AARP CEO A. Barry Rand said.

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said he will continue to fight against the measure, which he described as the "$2.5 trillion Reid Bill."

"We lost a battle today, but the fight is far from over. My colleagues and I will to do all that we can to identify every payoff and back room deal that Democrats cut to railroad this bill through. And we will continue to stand with millions of Americans who understand that, if this bill is enacted, their taxes will be raised, their premiums will go up and Medicare will be cut by nearly a half trillion dollars to create a new entitlement."