Republicans move ahead on budget plans, prelude to veto showdown with Obama over health care

House and Senate Republicans are moving toward likely approval of balanced budget outlines, essential early steps along a path to send President Barack Obama legislation to wipe out the five-year-old health care law and eliminate deficits within a decade.

Obama is all but certain to veto the legislation if and when it reaches his desk, but Republican rebels and establishment-minded conservatives alike in the House pay that little mind.

Republicans said the plans would set the stage for a stronger economy as well as a measure to repeal the health care law. Democrats said they would mean deep cuts in benefit programs that help seniors, the poor, students, families and others.

Final votes are expected in the House on Wednesday and in the Senate late Thursday night or early Friday.