US health reform clears procedural hurdle in House

WASHINGTON, Nov 7 (Reuters) - A sweeping overhaul of the U.S. healthcare system cleared its first hurdle in the U.S. House of Representatives on Saturday when Democrats approved a rule setting the terms of the debate.

The procedural vote was a critical test of support for legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion healthcare system, which is President Barack Obama's top domestic priority. A vote on the legislation itself could come later on Saturday.