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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.


      A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the
passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.


      "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.


      Ironically, that only solidified support for the legislation,
clearing the way for conservative Democrats to vote for it.


      The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance
and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not
afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their
employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with
penalties if they defied the government's mandates.


      Insurance industry practices such as denying coverage on the
basis of pre-existing medical conditions would be banned, and
insurers would no longer be able to charge higher premiums on the
basis of gender or medical history. In a further slap, the industry
would lose its exemption from federal antitrust restrictions on
price gouging, bid rigging and market allocation.

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Politics and Government News

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. A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.

Democrats' health care reform bill passes House

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