In the end democrats fell in line to keep the reform plan alive. But for how long? "The yays are 60, the nays are 39".

Some cast yes votes to make sure the measure gets changed.

Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D) Arkansas said, "I will not vote in favor of the proposal that has been introduced by Leader Reid as it is written."

The plan extends coverage to some thirty million Americans. It bars insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. Republicans argue the overhaul reaches too far.

"We don't have to tear down our whole system."

But it's the divide among democrats that could doom the plan.

Sen. Ben Nelson, (D) Nebraska said, "If there are a whole host of other items that are the same as they are right now, I wouldn't vote to get it off the floor".

Other splits remain on abortion, in a system involving public funds and on new taxes on high-end health plans some unions have bargained for. A tightrope for top democrats who want agreement by Christmas.

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. Sen. Jon Tester, (D) MONTANA said, "It is important we debate the health care measures on the floor of the United States Senate. 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 Montanans small businesses and working families."

Senator Baucus who's been heavily involved in the push for reform says the nation's health care is in crisis. After the vote Saturday, he released this statement: “Now we have the opportunity to debate even further. 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 both voted against advancing the bill. In a statement, Senator Mike Enzi says 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 John Barrasso says the bill would cut too much money from Medicare and could hurt seniors.

Congressman Denny Rehberg said we are still quite a ways away from knowing what will be included in the final bill.

"Most of the meat of the bill will be established not in the House; not in the Senate, but in the conference committee," he said. "That's the committee that brings the two bills together, pounds out a compromise and sends it back to the individual bodies for a vote. That's where the hanky panky occurs."

Rehberg said he would like to see a 30-day recess after the conference committee has a final bill. He suggests the bill be made available for the public to read, and legislators spend time meeting with constituents to see what people think of the final proposal before voting.