House Passes Landmark Healthcare Bill

11-09-2009

On November 7, 2009, the House passed a landmark healthcare bill that would overhaul the existing health system.  The new bill passed narrowly (220-215) and was split almost exactly down party lines.  This is viewed as a victory for the Democratic majority, while nearly all Republicans opposed the measure.  The bill would extend coverage to thousands of Americans who are not currently eligible for public assistance, but who also do not have private coverage.  In addition, the new legislation would place new restrictions on the private insurance industry. The bill will proceed to the Senate for approval, though the Senate will likely pass their own version of a healthcare reform bill in the coming weeks.  These two different versions would need to be reconciled before the legislation will hit President Obama’s desk to be signed into law.

For the full text of the bill, visit the Congressional Record.