Healthcare Bill Passes House
November 8, 2009 by Julianne Thompson
Filed under Profiles in Conservatism
In what has been called the most polarizing and controversial legislation in the history of the United States, the House of Representatives passed the Omnibus Healthcare Bill by a vote of 220-215 on Saturday evening, November 7, 2009. The Bill included an amendment denying federal funds for abortion.
Despite Town Hall meetings, national Tea Parties, and heavy lobbying by citizens opposing the bill, the 1.2 trillion dollar legislation narrowly passed with 219 Democrats voting for the bill along with 1 Republican, Joseph Cao, of Louisiana.
Democrats claim the bill will expand coverage to36 million uninsured people living in America, and will impose fines on anyone without health insurance. Private companies will be forced to offer coverage to employees or face stiff federal penalties.
The legislation, which creates a federally regulated insurance marketplace and allows the government to sell insurance, is said to be paid for by a 5.4 tax surcharge on individuals with incomes of $500,000, and families with incomes of $1 million. In addition, $400 billion dollars will be cut from Medicare over the next 10 years. If the legislation passes the Senate and is signed into law, it will be the most expensive program in U.S. history.
The debate now moves on to the Senate.
Popularity: 1% [?]