WASHINGTON, Dec 18 (Reuters) - - A White House-backed bid to end the ban against gays serving openly in the U.S. military cleared a major procedural hurdle in the Senate on Saturday, moving the legislation toward anticipated passage.

Supporters mustered more than the needed 60 votes in the 100-member Senate -- 63 to 33 -- to limit debate on the legislation that would to lift the 17-year-old policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell.” The House of Representatives has already voted to repeal the policy. (Reporting by Donna Smith; Editing by Jackie Frank)