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House Passes Landmark Health Care Reform

Measure passes 220-215, with only one Republican in favor

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 7, 2009 10:24 PM CST
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(AP) – The House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation tonight to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. The measure passed 220-215 with only one Republican—Louisiana's Joseph Cao—in favor and 39 Democrats opposed. "Oh, what a night," said a triumphant Nancy Pelosi. The vote clears the way for the Senate to begin debate on its own bill.

In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194, and the vote cleared the way for conservative Democrats to back the overall bill. The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide subsidies to those who can't afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Its estimated cost is $1.1 trillion over 10 years.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi listens to Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., after meeting with President Obama.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi listens to Majority Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C., after meeting with President Obama.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Obama kisses House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., after walking out of the Cannon Caucus Room.
President Obama kisses House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., after walking out of the Cannon Caucus Room.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The lights burn inside of the House of Representatives side of the U.S. Capitol late Saturday.
The lights burn inside of the House of Representatives side of the U.S. Capitol late Saturday.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
House Minority Whip, Eric Cantor, R-Va., refers to a poster as he speaks on pending health care legislation Saturday.
House Minority Whip, Eric Cantor, R-Va., refers to a poster as he speaks on pending health care legislation Saturday.   (AP Photo/Harry Hamburg)
Speaker Nancy Pelosi walks to the floor of the House of Representatives Saturday.
Speaker Nancy Pelosi walks to the floor of the House of Representatives Saturday.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 133 comments
Snarfeh
Nov 9, 2009 7:09 AM CST
Um, correct me if I'm wrong, but anyone who currently has health insurance is already paying for nothing until the *possibility* of it being needed arises...right? I thought that was the root of insurance....you pay for it and when you need it, they pay you back, so to speak. The problem is, they have been allowed to come up with ways to avoid paying us back for too long. The gluttony must stop.
Snarfeh
Nov 9, 2009 6:55 AM CST
@mia - Ha!!! But...problem is, he would like it too much and want to be my permanent bitch...
TheInterested
Nov 9, 2009 1:43 AM CST
You're grandchildren might curse you for being an angry person, a person of old and erroneous ideals that are remnants of a time when America was a dimmer, less educated nation. America's future will be decided in the classroom.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

 
Nancy Pelosi • health care • Congress • House of Representatives • universal health care • health care reform • government run health care

 

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