US House approves healthcare bill

A bill to overhaul healthcare in the US has won final approval from the House of Representatives. The historic vote will expand insurance coverage to nearly all Americans, and is being hailed as a landmark victory for President Barack Obama.

219-212, the voting results are better than expected.

Gaining more than half the votes, the US House approved the most dramatic health policy changes in decades.

The bill, which the Senate already passed, will go straight to Obama for his signature.

Nancy pelost, speaker of the House, said, "So we believe this act that was passed tonight is an all American act, honoring our founders, vows to the future and honoring our commitment to the future, by making it a healthier one and a fiscally sound one."

Shortly after the vote, the House then passed a "fix-it" measure, incorporating revisions to the Senate bill.

The Senate will take up that fix-it bill Monday and try to pass under budget reconciliation rules, which requires a simple majority.

While most Democrats are celebrating the decision, Republicans reiterated their concerns. They were unanimous in their opposition.

Geoff Davis, Republican of US Representative, said, "This vote will define the America we will have in the future: massive tax burdens; rationed care; intrusive bureaucracy."

Fred Upton, Republican of US Representative, said, "We are going to spend one trillion dollars over the next 10 years for just six years of benefits. Only in Washington can folks stand here and claim spending a trillion dollars will actually cut the deficit."

If the two bills are enacted, for the first time, most Americans would be required to purchase insurance, and face a penalty if they refuse.

The insurance industry, which has tried to block the bill, would also come under new federal regulation.

After a year of debate over the reform, Sunday's passage is a victory for Democrats, especially with a mid-term election coming in November.