Obama says health vote ‘historic’

‘US President Barack Obama has hailed as “historic” the approval of a health bill by the House of Representatives.

He said he was “absolutely confident” the Senate would pass its own version, and that healthcare reforms would become law by the end of the year.

Passed in a narrow 220-215 vote by the House, the bill aims to extend coverage to 36 million more Americans and provide affordable healthcare to 96%.

Mr Obama has made healthcare reform a central plank of his domestic agenda.

Correspondents say the legislation could lead to the biggest changes in American healthcare in decades.

Tight numbers

Democratic Senators must now consider their own bill. They need 60 out of 100 votes to bring it to a final vote.

I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year

Barack Obama

There are only 57 Democrats and two independents in the Senate. Two Republicans have signalled they could approve a compromise health bill.

If it is passed, lawmakers from both houses will try to reconcile the two versions before the programme can be signed into law by the president.

In Saturday’s vote, the bill was supported by 219 Democrats and one Republican – Joseph Cao from New Orleans. Opposed were 176 Republicans and 39 Democrats.

Mr Obama said: “Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable healthcare for the American people.

“The United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.”