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Drama in the House — Health Bill Passes, Senate is Next

Late Saturday night the House of Representatives met together to decide the fate of President Obama’s health care bill.  The House worked late and the health bill passes in a vote 220-215.

The next step is a vote, in the Senate, that will take a look at the bill later this week or next. A decision is expected to be controversial and with heated discussions.

Earlier on Saturday Obama met with several important Democrats behind closed doors. It is believed that their discussion included support for the health bill.

The vote by the House finished a few hours before midnight, yesterday. Drama was evident at the end of the vote. Democrats were shouting and counting down over the last several seconds. Several Democrats finalized the night by chanting “The bill is passed” at the end of the vote.

Several Republicans stood silently with their arms crossed. Following the vote Michael Steele, the chairman of the Republican National Committee released the following statement, “Nancy Pelosi and her liberal lieutenants made a lot of promises today to get the votes they desperately needed. Make no mistake– the Democrat leadership’s assurances were based on political expediency, not principle. Anyone receiving a promise from Pelosi is guaranteed to be disappointed in the end when their votes are no longer needed.”

The only Republican supporter was Rep. Anh “Joseph” Cao who argued that he put the needs of his region first and the needs of his party second. This may cause some drama within his own party. Cao admits that he received some White House pledges with the hopes of keeping a deal in place affecting support for Hurricane Katrina in exchange for his vote.

Today’s support

Obama discussed the passing of the bill early on Sunday morning. He admits that he is quite happy and encouraged with the passing of the health bill yesterday. He reports the importance in passing this bill is monumental among “the heated and often misleading rhetoric around this legislation“.

Obama continues with optimism and encouragement for the Senate. He shows great confidence in the Senate encouraging them to follow in the footsteps of the House and pass the health care bill.

The bill named, The Affordable Health Care for America Act or H.R. 3962.

39 Democrats voted in opposition while 1 Republican voted in the affirmation

The expected results of the Senate

Increasing pressure on the Senate began when they were placed on the time clock with the passage of the health bill. Several sources indicate a bipolar outlook on the anticipated final result expected by the Senate.

Several sources reverberate words given by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “The House bill is dead on arrival in the Senate“.  It is believed that the House bill will be unacceptable to many important and high standing Democrats as well as Republicans who maintain the majority of power in the Senate.

Again, others such as President Obama insist that passage by the senate is inevitable. He stated, “Now it falls on the United States Senate to take the baton and bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people. And I am absolutely confident that they will.”

The Health Bills from the House and Senate are different

Many similarities are present between the 2 bills

Both bills will slowly extend coverage to all Americans or nearly all. Government subsidies are exptected to help pay for health premiums. Denying individuals health insurance because of previous health issues would no longer be accepted. All Americans would be required to have health insurance, either by purchasing health insurance through the government or through your employment.

Several Differences Include:

1.)  House bill cost – $1.2 billion over 10 years
Senate bill cost – 900 billion over 10 years

2.)  House wants to raise taxes on upper-income earners
Senate uses taxes, fees, and levies.

3.)  House requires Employers to provide coverage
Senate does not require employers to provide coverage