The House of Representatives passed health care reform legislation by a vote of 219 to 212. Thirty-four Democrats voted against the measure, and no Republicans voted for it. The NY Times writes, "Congress gave final approval on Sunday to legislation that would provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and remake the nation’s health care system along the lines proposed by President Obama."
Here's an infographic of how the House voted: All NYC House members voted for the bill, except for Michael McMahon (D-Staten Island); the other NY votes were split along party lines. Notably, Democrat Scott Murphy of Glen Falls, who previously voted against reform last fall, voted for the bill, explaining that this bill was more fiscally conservative, plus, "I think this bill will slow the growth of out-of-control health care costs that are impacting families and small businesses."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, "Senator Kennedy wrote that access to health care was the great unfinished business of our society - that is, until today... After a year of debate, we have come to this historic moment. Today we have the opportunity to complete the great unfinished business of our society and pass health insurance reform for all Americans, that is a right and not a privilege." She also said of the $940 billion legislation, "With this health care reform, 32 million more Americans will have health care insurance, and those who have insurance now will be spared being at the mercy of the health insurance industry." (Video after the jump)
Republican Minority Leader Rep. John Boener said to his colleagues, "Shame on each and every one of you who substitutes your will and your desires above those of your fellow countrymen... We have failed to listen to America, and we have failed to reflect the will of our constituents." (Video after the jump)
Up next is for President Obama to sign the bill, which Democrats expect will happen on Tuesday. The Senate needs to approve changes to the bill, and MSNBC says, "Senate Republicans believe that they may be able to derail passage of that corrections bill during the complex budget 'reconciliation' procedure that the upper chamber will use following House passage."
