Snowe Falls for Democrats

Maine Republican Olympia Snowe says she'll vote for the Financial Committee's healthcare bill.

Her "yes" vote, against her party, could woo skeptical Democrats.

"These exchanges will help tens of millions of Americans have insurance and achieve savings in coverage," she said in announcing her vote.

Democrats claim their reforms would bring health insurance to almost all Americans, lower drug costs for seniors and reduce the deficit over 10 years.

Republicans claim it's a big Washington spending spree that'll leave the middle class and seniors paying more.

On the eve of the vote the insurance industry put out a report claiming premiums will soar under this plan.

That report was widely blasted as a last minute ploy to protect profits.

What comes out of the committee today isn't the final word.

This plan has to be merged with another Senate plan that includes the controversial public health insurance option.

This one does not.