House Passes Landmark Health Care Bill

Despite GOP Opposition, House Votes 220-215 to Expand Health Coverage for Americans, Place New Restrictions on Insurers

(AP)  In a victory for President Barack Obama, the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives narrowly passed landmark health care legislation 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 late Saturday night cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress. But it will be tougher to get Senate approval because Democrats will need 60 out of 100 votes to end debate and bring legislation to a final vote, and several moderate Democratic senators still have reservations.

CBSNews.com Special Report: Health Care Reform

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of the government's Social Security pension program in 1935 and Medicare health insurance for the elderly 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, an 83-year-old Democratic 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.

More Coverage of Health Care Reform:
Key Provisions of the House Health Care Bill"
Obama: "This Is Our Moment to Deliver"
Obama Calls Holdouts on Health Care

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.

A cheer went up from the Democratic side of the House when the bill gained 218 votes, a majority. Moments later, Democrats counted down the final seconds of the voting period in unison, and let loose an even louder roar when Pelosi grabbed the gavel and declared, "the bill is passed."

From the Senate, Majority Leader Harry Reid 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."

If the Senate does pass a bill, it would have to be reconciled with the House version by a panel of lawmakers from both chambers before the legislation is put up for final approval.

The House bill drew the votes of 219 Democrats and Rep. Joseph Cao, a first-term Republican who holds an overwhelmingly Democratic seat in New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.

Nearly unanimous in their opposition, minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate on the 1,990-page, $1.2 trillion legislation.

[tdgiffis]

Samuel Adams put it well,

"Shame on the men who can court exemption from present trouble and expense at the price of their own posterity's liberty!"

Some would give up their freedom for a promise of security. In the end they will be neither free nor secure. If we continue down this road of yielding our liberty for empty promises we will not only have sacrificed our freedom we will leave our beloved posterity a financially bankrupt country with no hope and no future.

The Federal Government must be forced to return to its constitutional boundries. We cannot hope that the Oligarchy in Washington will self correct. We the people must reign them in.

Jefferson said,

"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves, therefore, are its only safe depositories"

If our freedom is lost we only have ourselves to blame. I for one do not want to look my grandchildren in the eyes and tell them how we used to be free. Freedom is a rare commodity in human history. It is worth fighting for. It is worth dying for.

Let us stand together and fight like our Fathers before us so we can pass to our posterity the most precious gift of all. Freedom!

[noloyalisti]

This health plan is a joke. Let's just forget the whole thing and just have Medicare for all. Get rid of ALL profit in health care. Those workers can go to another industry to rape and pillage the American people like the big banks or oil corporations.

[Empire-George]

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them". - Thomas Jefferson

[John_272]

US Senator for California Diane Feinstein was forwarded numerous reports of a tax credit apartment properties' non-compliance with HUD regulations and failure of the Tax Credit Allocation Committee to enforce compliance with federal HUD regulations. Instead of starting a federal investigation of the misuse and abuse of federal funds , Feinstein instead Oct 23 referred the matter to Governor Swarzenegger's office saying: "I am sorry to hear of your difficulties with the Tax Credit Allocation Committee. Unfortunately many issues within the State of California are beyond my jurisdiction as a United States Senator." I ask the Senator: since when is noncompliance by apartments owners with federal HUD regulations beyond your jurisdiction? There is no federal agency set up to take individual complaints of tax credit apartment owners' non-compliance; should the Senator care about that? The Senator can be reached at 310-914-7300. What is the Governor of California and Senator Feinstein and Congress doing about state tax credit apartment owners who do not treat applicants per HUD regulations? What is the Governor doing about tax credit apartment owners who discriminate against Black applicants? The Governor can be reached at 916-445-2841. Visit http://hudincomeexclusions.wordpress.com and http://www.not-hud-compliant.spaces.live.com.

[noloyalisti]

I say that ALL those Reps that voted against this must immediately give up their government health benefits for them and their families.

[noloyalisti]

This bill is a huge compromise to the rich, greedy big corporations that own and run our government. This is not nearly what the people need.

[jckbrn-2009]

1) I'm not a "joiner" or a party loyalist - - this is not a partisan issue and is serious enough that anyone not having read the bill is stupid & ignorant
2) I'll sign on for any legislation that requires our elected elite to participate equally & unequivocally with taxpayers.
3) Government is the problem - not the solution - - bigger, more is not better ! !
There is no free ride and there never has been - - - I do, and always have, taken care of me and mine - - tough times and all - - never received gov't benefits for anything in all my 72 years - -
4) I can find absolutely no gov't program that is productive, proficient, profitable (or even solvent) - - passing legislation is easy - making it work is never successful.
5) "Reform" is not takeover - clean up the fraud/waste/ineptitude in existing programs (Medicare) and there'll be enough money to fund giveaways for the actual needy - - the biggest crooks are gov't leaches with seperate benefits from those they provide to taxpayer citizens. (Your side is not better than my side - really there is no side) We're all in this together and the debt is for everybody to pay -
and that isfar too great already - -
6) Stop spending money we don't have - -

Stand on your own 2 feet and stop depending on someone else to provide for you -
DEBT IS SLAVERY ! ! !

[noloyalisti]

Stop giving welfare to the rich and big corporations. Stop depending on big corporations to do everything for you. They are the problem, not the solution. Stand on your own two feet and stop whining.

[billards53]

A lot of people thought that HMO's were a mistake because gave too much power to the insurance industry . The insurance industry is a major contributor to political candidates in the USA which leaves me wondering if this a bad thing about to become worse . Will the federal government become so all powerful that the people get lost in the wash . We need health care but what is the cost to the individual . We could pay for our own before downsizing and outsourcing eliminated private and company paid plans . Lets attack the real problem = runaway corporate greed , " free trade " with countries who don't beleive in free trade,deficits and budget deficits . Our mioney is overseas which why we can't pay for basics . The high cost of medical care also is part of the problem

[spillover]

When are people going to get it through their heads this is'nt health care reform it's a power grab to get more money and control over your life.If this passes it will be a disaster.

[repub2012]

$1250 per month premium for family coverage? A family that can paster the muster of underwriting for a private individual plan can get a family rate of $350-$750 dollars a month. A family in an employer sponsored group plan can get pretty close to the same premium. And as it stands today, if you don't have access to a group plan through your employer and you cannot qualify for individual plan, then EVERY state has a high risk pool or HIPAA plans, that cost lest than $1250 per month!! How is this more affordable It is nothing but taxation on the middle class and the rich. Poorer indiviudals/families will get subsidies to pay. Where do you think those subsidies come from? From the taxes (i.e. higher premiums) the plan would charge to the middle class and the rich. Nothing more than a redistribution of wealth!! =socialism=communism!

[koehler405]

Only 34 states have high risk pools and some states have closed them. Also check out how much they will pay out in a given year. The cost for a family of 4 would be more than $1,250 per month for a $1,000 deductible in Texas. Check this site out for cost to see for yourself.
http://www.txhealthpool.org/080109standardratetable.pdf

I'm going to move to another state so I can get Insurance in a high risk pool but it will not be Louisiana because they only pay out $125,000 per year.

[repub2012]

The House bill certainly does not lower cost! See the following stuff from inside the bill.
http://mobile2.wsj.com/device/article.php?mid=3&CALL_URL=http://www.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704795604574519671055918380.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_opinion

Read this...you should be scared.!! The estimated premium of the pelosi plan for an individual earning 44k per year would be $5,000 per year! What a deal!! A family earning over $102,000 per year would pay $15,000 per year in premium!! But of course those who are much poorer would be eligible for a subsidy to help pay for the premium. If this is not a mssive re-distribution of wealth, I don't what is?

Lastly, to emphasize what death blow this for businesses in general. Employer would be required to pay 72.5 percent of the employee cost, which many employers, especially small employers could not afford. If the employer does not provide coverage they would pay an 8 percent tax of their payroll! Read the rest of this article. Very scary.

[rightofcenter]

Just an observation here. Britians health care system, the NHS is the world's largest health care system and the worlds 4th largest employer. If we adopt that kind of plan, how long will it take for America's system to be the largest and worlds biggest employer? How much government waste do you think will be involved?

[velma179]

by rightofcenter November 8, 2009 11:51 PM EST

If, if if.....

We are NOT adopting the British system.

Period.

[Void_Master]

Health care reform is fine. But remove the individual mandate. The mandate is exactly the sort of thing the Second Amendment was designed to address.

[Newster1]

Nearly unanimous in their opposition, minority Republicans cataloged their objections across hours of debate"

Emphasis on MINORITY ;)
The obstructionist Repubicons were all too happy to rubber stamp king george's wars and illega linvasion-occupation of Iraq to the tune of billions and billions of dollars, the money squandered already could have funded the entire health care bill's costs and we have NOTHING to show for it, absolutely nothing.
At least if we got the health care it would be something for OUR people!
The repubicons dont care, they all get cushey GOVT given free health care thats better than any of us can buy or afford.


"..They all agree that the quality of care in the US is superior provided you have private coverage. The main reason is it that socialized medicine is rationed."

This is NOT "socialized medicine!" its insuring everyone has COVERAGE that is affordable, its changing the corporate mo-fos at the insurance co's who control the doctors and direct their care giving with "sample" drugs they force them to push on patients and much more. The insurance, corporate health providers and pharma conglomerates dont want health care reform!!
They make billions and billions in profits from overinflated policies and overinflated prices.
I had a SIMPLE neck disk issue, the one MRI was $1800 alone, the simple 20 min visit to a specialist to look at it was $202, and physical therapy which was little more than a backrub like a chiropractor gives was over $150 each 15 min session. Final bill was some $2800. It was not all on one bill either, every little dept in te hospital and doctor had their own billing system, so I got bills from the MRI provider, from radiology dept, from the dr in the radiology to read the report, from phys therapy dept, from the hospital itself, pharmacy, and finally from the specialist in their system they sent me to.
Since I have health insurance it went thru that, but because of the $2000 deductable and the fact this was partly in Dec and partly in Jan, and the fact the insurance co resets the deductable Dec 31st, that meant the bills werent enough to meet the 2008 deductable, and since it reset anew Jan 1, the remainder wasnt enough to meet this year's deductable. So I wound up paying about $2500 out of pocket after the network "discounts"
Yeah this system works REAL well, good thing I can afford it and wrote a check, if I worked for minimum wage or was unemployed you tell ME where that $2800 would come from! The hospital would not even treat me without the insurance card in hand (I accidentally left it at home since I never used it)

[billards53]

Thanks for your reply . If you have your health you have everything . Apparently the " loyal opposition " feels that if they your money they have everything .

[apachekid]

Threats, Inuendos, and more Threats on the American People _ from Pelosi, Reed, & Obama's Moron, Moveon, ACORN, ACORN Holers & Homophobes. The Rest of The Story!


Yesterday, the House passed a historic health care reform bill. So now, the fight moves to the Senate...and we're ready.

Progressives pledged $3,578,117 this last week to fund primary challenges against any Democratic senator who blocks an up-or-down vote on health care reform with a public option.

It's a huge sum, and the clearest signal yet that any Democrat who helps Republicans filibuster health care reform will face an enormous backlash from the grassroots.

Here's another way to make sure conservatives think twice before joining with Republicans: Many of these senators hold coveted committee chairmanships that give them significant power within the Senate.

Our friends at Democracy for America have launched an open letter urging Senate Democrats to strip committee chairmanship from any Democrat who filibusters health care.

[on_alert247]

And while you are on your tirade, make sure the Socialist Party for America also passes a fine for any employers who layoff workers due to their inability to provide for their healthcare costs.

[timing20002000]

We need HEALTH CARE REFORM. Let's get this thing passed.

[velma179]

by apachekid November 8, 2009 8:08 PM EST

So apachekid...

You have no problem with activists and organizations who YOU agree with (i.e. Freedom Works, tea-party-protesters, etc.)---

But are outraged when those of a different mind organize and donate time and money to support what THEY believe...

YOUR side of the story is "freedom and liberty"...

THEIR side is "threats on the American people"...

Are you really that much of a hypocrite?

[on_alert247]

My biggest concern about the health care bill is that if it ultimately passes the senate with the public option, then the middle class who currently have health care through private insurers will see the quality of their care decrease. We have friends and family overseas that have experienced the British, Swedish and German health care systems. They all agree that the quality of care in the US is superior provided you have private coverage. The main reason is it that socialized medicine is rationed. You don't always get to see a doctor even when delivering a child, wait times can be months to see a specialist and private coverage is very, very expensive. If the public option passes, affordable private insurance will be left only to the upper class and all the rest of us will be left with the rationed public care plan. My cousin who lives in Germany said the pediatric care there is worse than CHIPs.

[jschmidt27]

They should have explored the Swiss system which forces private insurers to support a non-profit healthcare plan and allows them to make a profit on the premium plans. They watch costs closely with no public option. The Dems took the old tax and spend, govt can to better method. They are bound and determined to control every aspect of our lives.

[slownewsday-05]

schmitty - "yes" to the Swiss option, and "tighten your tinfoil cap" to your paranoid control fears.

[jschmidt27]

slow- that's the problem with you guys. You don't respect the opinions of the other voters and that is why you don't get respect yourself. We vote and we have a say in houw this country is run and you and others act like yours is the only opinion worthwhile. This country was founded by people who had wildly differnt opinions. They came together to form a great country and we all have a stake in agreeing to what is best for the country. So stop drinking the kool aid and look at all the facts.

[melchg07]

by jschmidt27 November 8, 2009 8:24 PM EST
slow- that's the problem with you guys.

--

No slow is more of a realist that I've seen who's had stances that are both to the left and to the right at times and depending on the bill.

Like most rational people could it just be that he is just annoyed with the conspiracy theorists that the government is out to get them?

"They are bound and determined to control every aspect of our lives. "

Why would the government want that? There is no PROFIT in it.

.....and the same people who decry the government as all evil are the ones who demand a larger and larger budget for the military......which essentially would be the only arm of the government who would have the force necessary to "control every aspect of our lives."

I think this current bill stinks, but its not because I think the government is out to get me.

[skyk-2009]

For my entire life I have been listening to Politician's say we need to do this and it should be done. For my entire life Insurance Company's, their lobbyist and Neocon's have been using the same lines to prevent it. Now is the time to really turn it on folks... get after these people in the Senate, Democrats and REAL Republican's just like you did in the house and INSIST on an Up or Down Vote on this bill THIS year.

[aheadace]

We just want the same insurance thay Graham has ok.

[jschmidt27]

For all those against this bill, what do we do now? We make sure our Senators know that this bill must not pass. Unfortunately in CT we have Dodd who is for it and Liberman who is against the public option. So at least we have one good one and we are trying to get rid of Dodd. Next in 2010 we better work to make sure the we get non-Democrats in office to stop this nonsense of bankrupting our country and turning us into a nanny state. And this also goes for state govt as well. In CT the Dems control the state legislature and with their overwhelming majority they are on course to send the state deeper in debt. Three months into the fiscal year and we over 300 million over budget. If you look at those states controlled by the Dems, they're in the same boat. So we need to turn out in support against these Democrat pushed causes. If you can't afford to donate, volunteer. But if we stand by and do nothing, we will only have ourselves to blame.

[skyk-2009]

jschmidt27, uh huh?? Don't a full 68% of the citizens of Conn. support the Public Option? LOL The ONLY hope you folks in the Confederate Party have at this point is that you can somehow get one of the Politician's outside the Stupid South to buck their people and history. The Public Option is just as important in the states of Ohio and Maine, where there is going to be REALLY BIG TIME PRESSURE to allow the bill to come to a vote. Nope, I don't think, in the end, they will buck the people and keep the mess we have...

[jschmidt27]

Skyk- you disputing the CNN poll. 60% against Obama's healthcare. Read it and weep. The Dem's are going down and 2010. The people will make sure. The people are fed up with the Dem policies and realize they're idea of change was not what Obama is delivering. See you in the voting booth.

[erasmus111]

"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans."

Why only 96 percent? Why not 100 percent?

[Skirt-Lifter]

Because 4% of Americans are rich, and want nothing to do with it?

[erasmus111]

by Skirt-Lifter November 8, 2009 7:55 PM EST
Because 4% of Americans are rich, and want nothing to do with it?

Oh.

[dplyer]

Republicans (and Democrats) didn?t bat an eye?let alone read the PATRIOT ACT?when they passed this rights-revoking ?legislation.? Then, with a wink and a nod, and little else, they gave the Republican-lead administration of Dubyah the power to spend nearly one trillion dollars of tax payer money to insure the health of most citizens of the United States of America by dispensing misery and death to citizens of Iraq and Afghanistan. But woe is Republican law makers should we spend that much money on genuine health care for our people. After all, government is good for big military, big pharma and big health ?insurance? companies, but bad?you know, like socialist?if used in direct support of the people. As Americans, what, exactly, are our priorities?