RSS
Home
House passes landmark health care reform legislation
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Just after 11pm Saturday night, the U.S. House erupted in applause as Members voted to pass HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. Democrats needed 218 votes to approve the bill and it squeaked by 220-215. 39 Democrats voted against the measure and all but one Republican, Rep. Joseph Cao (R-Lou.) voted no.
Debate on the floor was action packed throughout the evening and even the public galleries were full to capacity. Many speeches were devoted to the amendment offered by Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) that prohibits federal funds used for abortion services and goes beyond the current Hyde Amendment. Pro-life Representatives strongly encouraged their colleagues to support the amendment, while Reps. Diane DeGette (D-Colo.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) vehemently opposed the Stupak language, stating it could mean a return to back alley abortions for millions of women. There were multiple calls to order due to raucous outbursts during floor speeches but in the end, the Stupak amendment passed 240-194.
Members also considered the GOP alternative to the Democratic legislation but it went down in defeat by a vote of 258-176. Now that the House has passed its version of health care reform the pressure is on the Senate to do the same, although Senate leaders have made no commitment as to when a final vote on the Senate's version may come to the floor.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
