Although this is just 1 part of 2 because the Senate version of the bill needs to be passed as well, this event is still considered a milestone and may give the Senate a badly needed push.
The House passed the bill with 220 yea votes, 2 more than expected (218 is needed to pass the bill) and 1 unexpected Republican yea vote.
An impt. amendment (Stupak amendment) was also passed to be included in the bill to make sure no Federal money will be used to subsidize abortion.
House narrowly passes landmark health care bill
Excerpts:
WASHINGTON – In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed landmark health care legislation Saturday night to expand coverage to tens of millions who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous.
The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress.
"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.
In the run-up to a final vote, conservatives from the two political parties joined forces to impose tough new restrictions on abortion coverage in insurance policies to be sold to many individuals and small groups. They prevailed on a roll call of 240-194.
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."
*Read full article: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/07/politics/main5570400.shtml
