House passes health care overhaul

One Republican joins Democrats on historic vote.

By Ryan Teague Beckwith

The House voted narrowly to approve a massive health care overhaul Saturday night, the culmination of years of Democratic efforts.

The legislation, which will cost an estimated $1.1 trillion over 10 years, was approved by a vote of 220-215, with Rep. Joseph Cao of Louisiana the only Republican to join. Thirty-nine Democrats, mostly from Republican districts, also voted against the bill.

Passing the House is the closest the effort to reduce the number of uninsured Americans has come despite years of trying, most recently by President Bill Clinton in 1993.

The bill, HR 3962 , still must pass the Senate and be reconciled before it lands on President Barack Obama's desk.

One major change was made to the bill Saturday, an amendment to restrict coverage for abortions in any insurance plan purchased with government subsidies.

That compromise won the votes of some anti-abortion Democrats even as it angered some pro-choice Members, who now hope to scuttle it in the Senate.

For more on the bill, read "Seven things in the health overhaul."

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