United States President Barack Obama's health care reform package has cleared its first hurdle in the US Senate. The State Finance Committee approved the plan designed to cut health care costs and offer health insurance to nearly all Americans.

The US health care system is relatively costly and many people are without health insurance. Millions of people on middle incomes are among those who are uninsured.

Mr Obama is trying to introduce reforms which he hopes will guarantee everyone is insured but he faces tough opposition. Tuesday's Senate vote is only the first step towards the introduction of his plans.

photo: Barack Obama (EPA)