Another Historic Obama Landmark
Following a 14 hour debate, the U.S. House of Representatives passed landmark health care reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard won victory on his signature domestic priority.
Republicans were nearly unanimous in opposing the plan that would expand coverage to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry.
The 220-215 vote late Saturday cleared the way for the Senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi compared the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.
Obama, who went to Capitol Hill earlier on Saturday to lobby wavering Democrats, said in a statement after the vote, "I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year."
The bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who broke from his Party of No to do what is right for Americans and should be commended by all. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.
From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada issued a statement saying, "We realize the strong will for reform that exists, and we are energized that we stand closer than ever to reforming our broken health insurance system". Now, the major need is for Reid to be energized enough to unite the Senate Democrats to pass the Senate version before the end of the year as President Obama has requested.
Although there is still much work ahead in the Senate, the passing of this bill in the House of Representatives is an incredibly historic feat for President Obama in that none of the previous 7 Presidents has gotten this close to achieving much needed health care reform for America. We thank Speaker Nancy Pelosi for her leadership to get this done in the House as we now turn to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to do the same. (CLICK HERE to read entire 1990-page health care bill or visit Hear The Bill to listen to audio version. The bill also includes the controversial Stupak Amendment. CLICK HERE to read amendment.)
President Obama Comments on
Congress' Historic Health Care Vote
FIGHT...CALL...DEMAND !
Now, Time For The Senate To
Get It Done !
Related Article: Senate Could Use 51 Vote
Reconciliation To Pass Health Bill...This Fact Needs to Go VIRAL !
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