http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/health/p...

Senate Democrats moved to the brink of a crucial preliminary victory on major health care legislation as Senator Mary L. Landrieu of Louisiana, one of two last hold-outs, announced on Saturday afternoon that she would vote in favor of bringing the bill to the floor for weeks of full debate.

Ms. Landrieu’s remarks, shortly before 1 p.m., came as Democrats made a forceful case for legislation to revamp the nation’s health care system, condemning the practices of insurers and decrying the plight of the uninsured in a parade of floor speeches aimed at cementing party unity ahead of a first crucial vote.

“I have decided there are enough significant reforms and safeguards in this bill to move forward, but much more work needs to be done.” said Ms. Landrieu, whose decision left Senator Blanche Lincoln, Democrat of Arkansas, as the only member of the Democratic caucus yet to commit to support opening formal debate.

She said that her vote on Saturday should not be construed as an indication of how she might ultimately vote on the bill. “It is a vote to move forward to continue the good, and essential, and important and imperative work that is underway,” Ms. Landrieu said