The Democratic-controlled House has passed historic health care legislation to provide medical coverage to millions more Americans. The final vote was cast late Saturday night after a full afternoon of debate.
The 220-215 vote cleared the way for the Senate to begin debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in Congress. Only one Republican, Rep. Joseph Cao of La., voted for the bill, reports CBS News Producer Jill Jackson.
A triumphant Speaker Nancy Pelosi likened the legislation to the passage of Social Security in 1935 and Medicare 30 years later.
"It provides coverage for 96 percent of Americans. It offers everyone, regardless of health or income, the peace of mind that comes from knowing they will have access to affordable health care when they need it," said Rep. John Dingell, the 83-year-old Michigan lawmaker who has introduced national health insurance in every Congress since succeeding his father in 1955.
Most Americans would be required to carry insurance and large employers would be obliged to cover their employees.
Shortly before beginning its vote on a Democratic plan, the chamber voted 258-176 against a GOP version that would have lowered costs for people with insurance but done little or nothing to expand coverage to those without any.
Outnumbered Republicans knew the chamber would reject their measure, but advanced it to present their vision of how the health system should be reshaped.
The GOP relied largely on loosening regulations on private insurers to reduce costs for the insured by as much as 10 percent. Congressional budget analysts said the plan would make no dent in the ranks of the uninsured.
President Barack Obama made a last-minute personal appeal to Democrats to pass the landmark health care legislation.
His appeal came during a visit to Capitol Hill on Saturday as the House began debating a bill to expand coverage to millions who lack it.
Mr. Obama made his trip to the Capitol complex as abortion rights lawmakers voiced anger at a last-minute concession granted to foes of the procedure.
Dingell was given the honor of presiding Saturday at the start of what was expected to be a lengthy, contentious debate. Dingell joined the House in 1955, replacing his late father, and has introduced his father's national health insurance bill every year since.
After Dingell banged the gavel for the first time, Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-N.Y., said he "has had reform of health care in his blood.''
The 83-year old Dingell said many lawmakers have worked on the issue and added, "the nation will be grateful to us all.''
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