Only a day after the US Senate voted to start debating President Barack Obama's healthcare plan, the Democrats appear to be at odds over the issue.

At the heart of the dispute is a provision that would allow Americans to buy a federal-run insurance plan if their state allows it.

Moderate Democrats, who say the provision would increase the size of the federal government, have threatened to rush legislation if their demands to fix the bill are not met.

Liberal members are supporting Obama's initiative. The dispute has already jeopardized the final passage of the bill, which will be debated next month.

It is a debate that could have a big impact on next year's congressional election.

Thus, the Republicans have already said they will not support the final healthcare reforms bill.

Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma told ABC's 'This Week' that the bill will not fix what is wrong with the American healthcare system. "We are treating symptoms, not the disease. And it is really malpractice what we are doing," he said.

Unlike all other developed countries, the United States has no comprehensive national healthcare program. The government subsidizes coverage for the poor and the elderly, but most Americans must rely on private insurance.

VA/TG/DT