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House Democrats make history by passing health care reform
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Nancy Pelosi and Patrick Kennedy
At approximately 11:15 pm Eastern on November 7th, Democrats in the House of Representatives passed health care reform. When the vote count hit 218, applause broke out! The final vote count was 220-215 with one lone Republican waiting and then finally voting for the bill – vote number 219.
Republican Congressman Joseph Cao of Louisiana, sometimes accused of not being a Republican, said - “I read the versions of the House health reform bill. I listened to the countless stories of Orleans and Jefferson Parish citizen whose health care costs are exploding – if they are able to obtain health care at all. Louisianans need real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children. I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.”
An amendment was added to the health care reform bill on November 6th that is said to have cleared the way for many conservative Democrats to vote for the House health care reform. The amendment denies the use of federal subsidies to purchase abortion coverage in policies sold by private insurers in the new insurance exchange, except in cases of incest, rape, or when the life of the mother is in danger.
39 Democrats voted against the House health care reform bill. Some had indicated from the beginning that they would vote no and their reasons were all over the board. For some the bill wasn’t progressive enough, a few from conservative districts were looking for “political cover”, and a few supported the bill but had concerns for issues they felt the bill did not address. Of the 39 Democrats, 31 are from traditionally Republican states. Many of these 39 may vote "yes" when the House-Senate compromise bill comes to a vote in several weeks.
Congressman Baird of Washington State voted "no" and said in part - “Until more information is available on premium estimates and Medicare impacts, I will vote against the legislation in its current form. I will wait to make a decision on final legislation until this critical information becomes available and when the House and Senate together produce one bill.” Baird by all accounts is an advocate for reform. Because he did not impact the passage of the bill, his vote may be forgotten by next November. He has a poll on his website asking his constituents if they feel health care reform is needed, 81% have said yes.
In recognition of the House passing health care reform, Organizing for America on the President’s behalf sent out an email with this statement that read in part -
“Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history.
Millions of Americas didn't just witness history tonight; they helped make it. Each "yes" vote was a brave stand, backed up by countless hours of knocking on doors, millions of signatures, and hundreds of thousands of calls. You spoke up and you were heard.
In the final phases of last year's election, I often reminded folks, "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a fight," and it's especially true today. But that's okay, we're not afraid of a fight. And as you continue to prove, when all of us work together, we have what it takes to win."
Let's keep making history,
President Barack Obama
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