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Representatives pass US healthcare legislation

Source: The Guardian

Nov 08, 2009

Summary

Vote marks significant step towards administration's plans to extend health coverage to millions of people lacking it

Barack Obama's landmark healthcare legislation was narrowly passed by the US House of Representatives late last night.

The vote marks a significant step towards the Obama administration's plans to extend health coverage to millions of people lacking it.

The house voted 220-215 in favour of the bill, which will impose tougher regulations on the health insurance industry and provide cover for around 36 million more Americans.

Obama praised the House in a statement, saying he was "absolutely confident" that the Senate would pass its version of the legislation.

"I look forward to signing it into law by the end of the year," the US president said.

The focus will now switch to the Senate, which is working on its own healthcare bill. Progress has stalled as the Democratic leader, Harry Reid, searches for a way to win the 60 votes required to ensure the passage of legislation.

The two bills must then be reconciled by lawmakers from both chambers before being

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