Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives on Saturday passed a sweeping health care bill that includes an overhaul of the nation’s health care system and a controversial abortion amendment. In a final tally, 219 Democrats voted for the legislation and 39 against, while only one Republican, Joe Cano of Louisiana, voted in favor of the bill. The Affordable Health Care for America Act proposes to spend $1.055 trillion to add 36 million Americans to the insurance rolls, largely paid for with a 5.4 percent surtax on the top 0.3 percent of earners. It will also make certain cuts to Medicare Advantage programs. “(This act) is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance, quality affordable options for those who don't, and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses and our government, while strengthening the financial health of Medicare,” said President Barack Obama soon after the bill’s passage. “It is legislation that is fully paid for and it will reduce our long term federal deficit,” he said. Another amendment introduced by House Minority Leader John Boehner, which would have revised sections dealing with insurance, did not pass. Congressman Dan Lungren, who represents Amador County and the 3rd District, said the bill will cut $440 billion from Medicare, kill jobs, add $1.3 million to the national debt and impose a government plan on the public. "We can all agree that our health care system is sick but tonight we gave America not only the wrong diagnosis but also the wrong prescription," said Lungren. Randy Bayne, Chair of the Amador County Democratic Central Committee, hailed the victory, saying many Americans are currently “at the mercy of a health insurance industry calling the shots and rationing our health care.” The bill also includes an abortion amendment introduced by more conservative Democrats in swing congressional districts with the support of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The amendment indefinitely bans federal funding for abortion services through the public option and the bill’s insurance exchange. However, it excludes cases of rape and incest. Supporting such a ban represents a significant shift for many Democrats who realized the bill may not pass without the support of their more conservative colleagues. A much greater challenge will be pushing the bill through the senate, where Democratic moderates are still unconvinced that a public option is necessary. South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said the “House bill is dead on arrival in the Senate,” echoing the views of many Republicans. Obama urged Senators to “bring this effort to the finish line on behalf of the American people.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.