U.S. House set to vote on health-care bill
Source: CBC News
Posted: 11/07/09 11:42AM
Filed Under: Top News
U.S. President Barack Obama has urged members of Congress in the House of Representatives to "answer the call of history" and pass the health-care reform bill.
The landmark legislation to overhaul the system would extend insurance to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and enact dramatic changes to the country's medical system.
"This is our moment to live up to the trust that the American people have placed in us, even when it's hard especially when it's hard," Obama said before the bill cleared its first hurdle in the House when Democrats approved a procedural measure setting the terms for Saturday's debate.
"This is our moment to deliver," the president said. "I urge members of Congress to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history and vote Yes for health insurance reform for America."
In the opening moments of the debate, Democrats hailed the legislation as an advance for the country's social fabric and a moral and economic imperative.
Republicans said it would be a government takeover of the health-care system that would damage the economy and erode the doctor-patient relationship.
A vote planned for late Saturday was expected to be tight, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she was confident of a win, even though all House Republicans are opposed to it.
Democrats hold 258 seats in the House and can afford 40 defections and still wind up with 218, a majority if all members of the House vote.
The bill includes a public health insurance option, but if people like their current plans, they would be able to keep them.
For individuals not currently covered by their employer, and some small businesses, the legislation would establish a new health insurance exchange where consumers could comparison shop.
They would be able to choose from options including private plans, health co-ops and a new government health insurance plan.
The health insurance proposal would also bar insurers from excluding people for pre-existing conditions and from charging more based on medical history.
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