In 220-215 Vote, House Passes Bipartisan Health Reform Legislation
In 220-215 Vote, House Passes Bipartisan Health Reform Legislation
Moments ago, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act by a vote of 220-215, with one Republican — Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) — voting for the measure. Once the bill reached the needed threshold of 218 votes, the chamber erupted in applause. Members excitedly counted down the last few seconds of the vote. Watch it:
At the “House Call” tea party protest on Capitol Hill this week, House Minority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) pledged to the right-wing activists: “Be assured not one Republican will vote for this bill.” Cao’s vote must have surprised Cantor.
Cao has previously been touted by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) once as “the future” of the GOP. The White House had reportedly “been in constant contact” with him prior to the vote. “Rahm is going all in to get him,” one aide told Roll Call, referring to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.
The House also approved, by a vote of 240-194, an amendment introduced by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI), which imposed tighter restrictions on abortion coverage. A GOP substitute failed in a vote of 178-258, with a single Republican, Rep. Tim Johnson (R-IL) voting against the legislation.
Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.
5 Responses to “In 220-215 Vote, House Passes Bipartisan Health Reform Legislation”
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Will the CBO tell us how much unwanted children cost before or after they tell us how much universal single payer saves?
I bet the Senate Parliamentarian hates the guy at the CBO who decides which sections get budget-neutral zeros.
November 8th, 2009 at 12:45 amOne Republican Vote equals a Bipartisan Health Reform.
Ha, Ha, Ha.
Yes, that is how a Democrate would define bipartisan, indeed.
Just not how an honest person would define it.
November 8th, 2009 at 1:33 amTwo more steps, a Senate version and then final reconciliation.
Much more horse trading to come under health care deform. As for Rahm’s going all out, that brings back memories.
November 8th, 2009 at 11:46 amMay Booker T. Obama’s amoral absolutism be relegated to the ash heap of history. I look forward to the day when Americans finally reject the political theatre on full display by our one-party duopoly and get EVERYBODY the healthcare they need.
Quit Playing Politics
November 8th, 2009 at 5:35 pmMedicare 4 *ALL*!
Karl
well Karl when 99.9% of Republicans couldn’t add 2+2 it’s considered bi-partisan to get one of them to think for a moment.
Anyone know how many people can get in the health insurance exchange and get a public option?
November 9th, 2009 at 7:07 am