Dog Medicine

WASHINGTON -- Democrats moved one step closer Wednesday to using a controversial budget procedure to speed passage of President Obama's health care legislation.

Democrats are tempted to use their political muscle to speed passage of health care legislation with minimal concessions to the Republican minority.

By a 227-196 vote, the House affirmed Democrats' plans to move health care legislation under rules that block Republicans in the Senate from being able to slow -- or even stop -- it from proceeding.

April 22 (Bloomberg) -- The Obama administration wants the Senate to approve an overhaul of the health-care system and an end to subsidizing student-loan providers using a procedure that would keep Republicans from blocking the measures, a pivotal lawmaker said.

Democrats controlling the House went on record again Wednesday in favor of advancing health care legislation while allowing only limited debate, which would minimize the ability of Republicans to wrest concessions on one of President Barack Obama's top domestic priorities.