Health care reform bill passes in the House of Representatives

By: Web Staff

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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The House of Representatives passes a landmark health care overhaul bill by a vote of 220 to 215.

Congressmen Dan Maffei, Michael Arcuri and newly-elected Bill Owens were all among the democrats to vote in favor of the bill. All three admitted to having reservations about various provisions within the proposal, but they agreed that health care reform is necessary within our country.

Congressman Paul Tonko voted in favor of the bill while Congressman Scott Murphy actually voted no.

The $1.2 trillion bill requires most Americans to carry health insurance and provides federal subsidies to those who can't afford it. The house also passed an amendment to prohibit coverage of abortions in the government run health plan.

Nearly all Republicans in the house rejected the bill, along with 39 democrats.

The bill will now move onto the U.S. Senate. If passed there, it can then be signed by President Obama.