(FILES)The US flag flies above the Capitol building on October 7, 2009 in Washington, DC. President Barack Obama's top Senate ally announced plans Monday to start debate on historic legislation to remake US health care, including a controversial government-backed insurance plan. After months of often fevered nationwide debate, Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate would soon take up a bill that includes a so-called "public option" to compete with private insurers. AFP PHOTO/Karen BLEIER /FILES (Photo credit should read KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)