By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate Democratic leader says Congress is closer than ever to overhauling the nation's health care system.

At a Capitol Hill rally, Majority Leader Harry Reid said Thursday that the $848 billion, 10-year bill he unveiled hours earlier will save lives, save money and save Medicare. The Nevada Democrat said the bill is not just a milestone in a journey of a few months or a few years. Rather, he said that it culminates an effort that began over a half century ago.

Reid evoked former President Harry S. Truman, saying the Democrat knew that the health of the American people is linked to the health of the American economy. Reid was joined by several Democratic senators.

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