The Senate on Thursday passed President Barack Obama's health care overhaul in a 60-39 vote.

For the first time, the government would require nearly every American to carry insurance. Employers would be induced to cover their employees through a combination of tax credits and penalties. It also forbids health insurance companies from denying coverage based on patients' pre-existing conditions.

The vote capped months of negotiations and 24 days of floor debate. It followed a succession of failures by past Congresses to get to this point. Vice President Joe Biden presided as 58 Democrats and two independents voted "yes." Republicans unanimously voted "no."

WJAC-TV News is staying on top of this story and will bring you updates, as well as local reaction, throughout the day.