CNN REPORTS

The United States Senate began its debate on health care reform this afternoon.

Majority Leader Harry Reid said Senators may work weekends to try to get it done.

But Reid isn’t committing yet on when to adjourn for Christmas.

This is the bill the majority leader unveiled eleven days ago.

It’s two-thousand-seventy-four pages.

The 10 year cost will be $849 billion , so-called revenue neutral.

In other words, it would not increase the federal deficit.

It will, however, raise taxes on some of the richest Americans.

Republicans have promised an all out fight.

Just like the House version there’s a public option plan, but states can opt out.

This Senate debate is expected to last several weeks.