Senate leaders are working in rare bipartisan harmony to try pushing legislation overhauling how Medicare pays physicians toward final congressional approval.
The $214 billion measure would prevent a 21 percent cut in doctors' Medicare payments and finance health programs for children and the poor.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wanted his chamber to approve the measure by midnight Tuesday. Debate had not started by early evening with different lawmakers, aides and lobbyists providing varying explanations for why.
Unless the bill is enacted, the federal agency that processes Medicare claims has said it will start sending payments reflecting the 21 percent cuts on Wednesday. Lawmakers hope to avoid complaints from physicians and Medicare's elderly beneficiaries.
The House approved the bill last month. President Barack Obama has promised his signature.
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