BILLINGS - On a party line vote, sweeping health care legislation cleared its first major hurdle in the U.S. Senate Saturday night. The vote clears the way for a historic debate on the Senate floor over health care reform legislation.

The measure drafted by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is designed to extend coverage to an estimated 31 million Americans. It would also prevent insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing rates for Americans with pre-existing health conditions.

Montana's two democratic senators, Jon Tester and Max Baucus, both voted for the measure, saying the health care reform bill at least deserves a fair debate on the Senate floor.

"It is important we debate the health care measures on the floor of the United States Senate," Sen. Tester said. "We have the opportunity to save lives, save money and reduce the national debt. I think its critically we have this debate to make sure that any health care bill that passes the Senate works for Montana's small businesses and working families."

Sen. Baucus who has been heavily involved in the push for reform said the nation's health care is in crisis.

"Now we have the opportunity to debate even further," he said in a written statement after the vote. "I look forward to a full and healthy discussion and to working with my colleagues to make this bill even better."

Wyoming's two republican senators, Mike Enzi and John Barrasso both voted against advancing the bill. In a written statement, Sen. Enzi said he hopes to change the bill into something that will get support from both sides of the aisle and bring health care costs down to protect seniors and small businesses.

Senator Barrasso of Wyoming said the bill would cut too much money from Medicare and could hurt seniors.

Democrats are hoping to start the debate after the Thanksgiving break. The president is still hoping to have a bill to sign by the end of the year.