Sen. Baucus says healthcare can pass in 2009

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Finance Committee chairman Max Baucus said on Tuesday Congress could pass a sweeping overhaul of the nation's healthcare system before the end of the year.

"Yes, we can," the Democratic senator told reporters when asked whether Congress could complete work on the legislation even though time was running short. He added lawmakers might have to work long nights and weekends to get the work done.