Health Care Reform Bill Passes with Controversial Amendment

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House of Representatives voted to pass the health insurance reform bill around 11:15 Saturday evening. Despite numerous attempts for over 60 years, no chamber of Congress has ever passed comprehensive health reform. History was in the making.

Lawmakers in the House chamber voted 220 to 215 to pass this bill. Only one republican, Joseph Cao of Louisiana, backed the bill, while 39 democrats decided against the measure. Cao will undoubtedly soon start receiving a lot of media attention.

President Obama said after the decision, "Tonight, in a historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people."

The bill almost didn't go through when a deal with conservative Democrats crumbled. Pelosi was forced to let them bring up an amendment to restrict abortion coverage. This caused huge controversy.

Under the new bill, no insurance company could consider pre-existing conditions, out of pocket expenses would be capped, no more co-pays for preventive care, and the so called donut hole would be closed in Medicare prescription drug coverage.

A $61 billion GOP substitute bill did not pass after Democrats attacked it, saying it did little good to help people get insurance.

The next step is for the Senate to pass the bill. Obama stated in his speech, "I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year."

This vote brings every American closer to the secure, affordable care we ALL need. It's too bad this controversial bill had to bring out so much ugliness in people. I can only imagine the scare tactics that will continue to take place, maybe even a civil war.