Dorgan, Conrad Among Dems Passing Health Care

The health care reform bill approved by the Senate Thursday had the support of North Dakota Sen. Byron Dorgan, who said it's not a perfect bill but brings needed improvements.

The Democrat was among 60 senators who voted for the bill.

Dorgan said it's important to control costs and extend health care coverage to those without it.

Dorgan said he hopes the bill can be improved when a conference committee tries to negotiate a compromise between Senate and House versions.

North Dakota Sen. Kent Conrad says the health care bill passed by the Senate early Thursday is a reasonable and responsible approach to one of the nation's biggest challenges.

He was among 58 Democrats and two independents who voted for the bill. Republicans opposed it.

Conrad said after the vote that the nation's health care system needs to be improved and that continuing the status quo is not an option.

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