U.S. House of Representatives Approves Landmark Health Care Legislation

March 21, 2010

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system, with majority Democrats handing President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority.

The House approved a Senate-passed health care bill late Sunday by a vote of 219 to 212. Minority Republicans were unanimous in opposition, while 34 Democrats joined them in voting no. Two-hundred-sixteen votes were needed for passage.

Supporters say the health care reform legislation will make health insurance available to 32 million Americans who do not have it. Critics say the changes will drive up health care costs and increase government intrusion into health care decisions.

Read more: Voice of America

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