House health bill passes

Posted: Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:50 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Domenico Montanaro
The House health care bill passed 220-215 in a late-night vote yesterday. Remember that Democrats won two special elections on Election Day on Tuesday. And this bill passed by two votes. Coincidence?

It was about a 13-hour day in the House, but throughout the day, Democrats sounded confident. The president stopped by to meet with the Democratic caucus in the morning, but Majority Whip Jim Clyburn acknowledged that Obama didn't affect the vote. Obama likely wouldn't have been there if the votes weren't there -- and the bill wouldn't have come up for a vote.

So what happened from Friday, when Democrats seemed just short, and Saturday night? Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi behind closed doors, solved the abortion issue with pro-life Catholic Democrats. As many as 20 to 30 votes hinged on the abortion language. Pelosi got the endorsement of the Catholic Bishops, and she allowed -- and said she suggested -- that an amendment explicitly banning federal funding in the House bill, would be voted on. The amendment was introduced and pushed by Democrat Bart Stupak from Michigan. The amendment passed 240-196, and the Democrats kept the more liberal members, who threatened to vote against, in line.

For the overall bill, almost every Republican and 39 Democrats voted against it. They were mostly from swing districts in red states. The only "liberal" to vote against -- Dennis Kucinich, who was upset that am amendment that would give states the right to opt for a single-payer system, was not allowed to come up for a vote.

Democrats also got the vote of one Republican -- Ahn "Joseph" Cao -- widely seen as the most vulnerable member of the House. He's from the more liberal Louisiana district last represented by William "Money in the Freezer" Jefferson.

Here are the "no" votes:
1. Rep. John Adler (NJ)
2. Rep. Jason Altmire (PA)
3. Rep. Brian Baird (WA)
4. Rep. John Barrow (GA)
5. Rep. John Boccieri (OH)
6. Rep. Dan Boren (OK)
7. Rep. Rick Boucher (VA)
8. Rep. Allen Boyd (FL)
9. Rep. Bobby Bright (AL)
10. Rep. Ben Chandler (KT)
11. Rep. Travis Childers (MS)
12. Rep. Artur Davis (AL)
13. Rep. Lincoln Davis (TN)
14. Rep. Chet Edwards (TX)
15. Rep. Bart Gordon (TN)
16. Rep. Parker Griffith (AL)
17. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD)
18. Rep. Tim Holden (PA)
19. Rep. Larry Kissell (NC)
20. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (FL)
21. Rep. Frank Kratovil (MD)
22. Rep. Dennis Kucinich (OH)
23. Rep. Jim Marshall (GA)
24. Rep. Betsy Markey (CO)
25. Rep. Eric Massa (NY)
26. Rep. Jim Matheson(UT)
27. Rep. Mike McIntyre (NC)
28. Rep. Michael McMahon (NY)
29. Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA)
30. Rep. Walt Minnick (ID)
31. Rep. Scott Murphy (NY)
32. Rep. Glenn Nye (VA)
33. Rep. Collin Peterson (MN)
34. Rep. Mike Ross (AR)
35. Rep. Heath Shuler (NC)
36. Rep. Ike Skelton (MO)
37. Rep. John Tanner (TN)
38. Rep. Gene Taylor (MS)
39. Rep. Harry Teague (NM)

EMAIL THIS

Comments

One misleading part of the coverage of final passage of the House Bill.

The implication was that most, if not all Democratic defections came from moderates. I'm not all sure that's true - one of the "no" voters was Dennis Kucinich. At least four others (including Murphy and Adler) were from New York or NJ.

So what I'm wondering is: "Were there liberal defections by Choice advocates upset about the Stupack amendment and its passage? If so, how many and what did the moderate/liberal division of defectors (if any) look like.

This is the untold story of the health care debate - the whipsawing of the mainstream by both the liberal and blue dog wings of the party; each of whom doesn't feel they're getting everything they want.

Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:25 AM)

I am a 58 year old female, that has to pay to much for little coverage on my health care, as I am retired, to help care for my husband who is disabled. We need something better. The people on medicare, are they happy with it? Would like it to be taken from them? Why do we have a cap on FICA?

Gretchen Everman Georgia (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:58 AM)

Yes! The GOP will make lots of noise about the 39 democrats who voted against the bill. But the fact is that in any sweeping legislation, the party in power gets the votes they need to pass allowing those members who are in more moderate to conservative districts to say they voted their constituents wishes by voting against it. It's politics.

Now, what does John Boehner say after standing on the steps of the Capitol vowing that NO repubican in the House will vote for the bill. Well, he forgot Rep Joseph Cao who voted the wishes of the people of his district. Cheers for Rep Cao who listened to his constituents. Americans want their elected officials to listen to THEM. Democrats will do fine in 2010 if they vote for the policies laid out in 2008 that won them the majority--that's the change people, including independents, cast their ballots to support. The Bayhs, Lincolns, and others need to vote for the policies they pledged to support and vote the wishes of their constituents.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:59 AM)

When I was watching Cspain Some guy said he was against health reform and he was 25 yrs old,married and had 1 daughter and no insurance but that was ok.Who was he kidding.His baby had to have some goverment insurance if he didnt have any.Why would you be that foolish and risk your familys health.Especially a baby who has to have shots,checkups and etc.It was goverment child plus.I think people need to understand the healthcare system.That was just laughable

aly,Syracuse,New York (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:01 PM)

well msnbc, all that reporting for the past few months leading up to last weeks elections you kept trying to manufacture news by characterizing the gubernatorial races as key elections in a referendum on the Obama adminstration and democrats in general. Looks like the two dem house wins were the significant votes. When you try to manufacture news like that, you end up looking more and more like FOX.

Judy in Salem (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:10 PM)

I am a Virginia Democrat from the 2nd District and I can guarantee Glenn Nye will not be representing us in 2011, just like Creigh Deeds. Distancing yourself from the Obama Administration does not work.

I kind of resent your comment about the one positive Republican vote. I find your comment "money in the freezer" suggests there is something sinister about the Republican who voted along with the Democrats.

I find your snide remark offensive.

J Johnson (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:31 PM)

IGNORANCE IS BLISS

This shows total incompetence on the part of the House to pass in irrational healthcare bill that is onlt half about health care.

These dweebs didn't read the stimulus so what do you expect when Puddin' Pelosi also cracks her whip in their faces. Were promises made to them in return for a vote that questions the Constitution in the first place.

The majority will be voted out of office in 2010
anyway and the new beginning will start with a bang.

Full Moon
RAZOR
Bad Moon ... and the rest.

The Chihuahua Gang (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:41 PM)

As a disabled American, and a survivor of cancer, I am glad that this bill will have a serious chance of passing. No insurance company will have power over me or my family anymore!
On a lighter note

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
YES!
KEEP IT UP.

Michael McNamara Belmont Massachusetts (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:50 PM)

The American Public does not want this bill. Way is Pelosi and others lying and pushing this train wreck to the Americans.

Arrow J. Smith (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:56 PM)

This is the darkest hour in our history. This bill is a train wreck. The democrats are low as snakes in the grass. Pushing a health care bill for the poor while the tax paying American public pays for the sorry lazy morons who are to stupid to work.

Arrow J. Smith, Miami, Florida (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 12:59 PM)

-- Effective health care delivery --

* Basic treatments for all. Better coverage is paid by individual. We encourage folks to work hard and there is no more free lunch. The government can spend an agreed % of GNP on public health care.

* Prevention: voluntary and non-voluntary (via taxes) on smoking, fast food...

* Limit lawsuit award on malpractice.

* State-of-the-art treatments are less effective than prevention such as a low-dosage aspirin for all over 50 years of age.

* Outsourcing expensive treatments to foreign countries and drug development/clinical tests.

* Cut down expensive drug marketing (like giving money/goodies to doctors).

* Stop illegals and foreigners from using our medical systems free.

Import foreign doctors and nurses is the worst we can do to a poor country.

Before we send soldiers abroad or explore space, should we solve our home problems such as health care first?

TonyP4, Boston, MA (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 1:09 PM)

This vote makes my day! Now I can live off the government even more! No job? Unemployment benefits! That runs out - the government extends it. Food? Plenty with food stamps. Now health care - free health care! What a deal. Now I do what ever I want and the government will take care of me! What a country!!

Fat Guy With A Bladder Problem (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:05 PM)

I am so proud of the House. This is governing at its best. I am sick of reactionaries who cannot see the humanity let alone the competitive advantage for the US that health care reform will provide. America...what a country!

Mitchell Feldman (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:11 PM)

Congrats to the House Dems who voted for health care reform.
I had already looked up the "no" votes online when I came here tonight. I wanted to get to know the names of these people. They will NOT BE RECEIVING any support from me on a national stage at any time in the future...ever. I hope they don't mind giving up any future runs for the Presidency or Vice-Presidency.

On that same note, hope the Senate is paying attention. I will be interested to know who votes against health care reforms in the Senate. I know I'm not the only American, in favor of health care reforms, who's watching this very closely...even while we're stationed overseas!

Listen up Senators....Americans are paying attention and we VOTE!

Michelle, military wife in Germany (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:12 PM)

One of those two votes was Republican Cao from Louisiana. So I think you could make an argument that the loss of NY-23 was a bigger blow to the Republicans than originally thought. Thanks Sarah Palin, Rush, Glenn, et al.

D Ray Eugene, OR (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:18 PM)

Finally. It shouldn't have been this difficult to do the right thing and reign in the life and death power of the insurance industry over the lives of the American people. There will be hell to pay if the Senate does not get in there and get this thing on President Obama's desk befor the end of the year.

Kris, Los Angeles (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:30 PM)

Rep. Scott Murphy (NY) the one that beat Tedisco by 300 votes. If his votes were needed he'd have cast it. But it still strikes me that democrats are sometimes politically cowardly. Stake ur career on something for crying out loud. If the bill proves successful to those who benefit from it - like Medicare and Social Security - that republicans are now defending even though they mostly voted against those too, what would these dems say 8 years from now.

Thank you for publishing those names

Meanwhile, democrats need to see the value of allowing certain republicans to hold certain dem seats without converting them over. Snowe & Collins in Maine for instance (and Specter would have been great for bipartisanship with an R still behind his name except he was about to be kicked out) and Ahn Joseph in LA. Since republicans in general do not entertain independence of thought (whereby members vote against party significantly on key issues like dems do), force them to do the purging themselves or continue to take repubs hostages on effectively dem seats for bipartisanship sake. The lack of too much variation in thought (and depth thereof) is also evident on this board from apologists for conservative principles.

I've sometimes wondered why it is so rare to find someone who has fiscal conservative principles but does not appreciate the evangelical socio-religious part of the agenda and votes against it and vice-versa. Why is like nearly every "conservative" also religious. Or is it peer pressure or party conformity to principles? On the contrary u find more variation and disagreement amongst dems which is more like the natural human state. Sincerity in one's beliefs rather than towing party line makes it easier to put country first before party.

J. Richter (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:37 PM)

How can they call it a "national public health plan" when it will probably only cover 6 million people?

Heartlight3, Maui Hawaii (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 2:55 PM)

Wow - this posting does not go up until 12 hours after the event. This is a great day for America - all of us, whether you wanna see it now or not - now we need to start the pressure on the Senate to begin anew

I know it will be more conservative in the Senate, but after it passes, it will melded with this House bill

Great Great day for those of us who voted for Obama, Seniors and the poor

Now, are we still gonna hear how Obama hasn't done anything? It was a lie before, but what leg will they try to stand on now?

Go Cowboys!!!!

Saint Dick, Dallas, TX (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 3:07 PM)

The devil is always in the details. Is there a true public option in the bill passed? If so what is it?

Jeff Robles, San Diego, CA (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 3:17 PM)

Many people said this would not be possible and for cirtain it would not hppen on Saturday. For it to happen and to get a Republican vote on it was huge. A congressman putting the interests of his constituents ahead of the interests of corporate lobbyists. Congradulations to Rep. Coa for his courage.

nadeem (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 4:14 PM)

This is really good for America, Obama really pushed it to go through and he did it! I am just wondering how America will fund this becasue with a population of about 304,000,000 it will cost alot. Maybe later on Obama might impliment a new tax just like how here in Canada a HST tax is comming.

Ahad Qureshi, Toronto,Ontario (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 4:18 PM)

Now lets get this bill passed for the American people, and let History judge, The Party and members of the No caucus can be on the wrong side of history, just like those of the 1935, 1965, you know folks like Reagan, RNC, and their Wall Street lords, let history judge.

Ebenezer (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 4:31 PM)

Regardless of the GOP comments that "the Dem legislators are ahead of the people" there are millions who think that the government has lagged far behind. Republicans who make a blanket statement such as this are not governing for all the people. Republicans fought against medicare, social security, civil rights always saying that it was too soon or not respectful of individual rights, or whatever. Leaders are supposed to lead, not follow. They are to listen to the people, listen to all kinds of signs in the nation and the world, and then lead. When will Republicans lead on an issue that is for the people? Do they only want to lead on war? Do they only want to lead "against."

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 5:05 PM)

One down and one to go. Incredibly historic. Lets put real competition in the free market by giving real options. The profit sector now has to compete whereby their obscene wlth and sky rocketing premiums are going to have the much needed REGULATION and you know that little stumbling blocks called CHECK AND BALANCES the Rethuglicans have absolutely no regards and respect for. We are just one chamber away from joining every other instrustialized nation that realizes that Universal hlth care is a right not a privilege that does not outrageously places profits ahead of people's life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Priorities are only campaign contributions they prostitute themselves to get re-elected over and %over again. Millions of Americans can not continue to be denied due to bogus pre-existing conditions, shameless monopolies in states like Arkansas whereby BC/BS controls 90% of the market, whereby a cheaper generic brand which is just as effective is denied access to Americans because the Elli Lilly big Pharma blocks it thanks too our esteem GOP and turncoats Democrats who get the palms greased every election. Obstructionistism and name calling was not a chosen outcome that hindered us from creating TVA, Medicare, Social Sercurity, the Marshall Plan, interstate highways, sending a man to the moon to creating and disovering hopefully a cure for cancer. Americans can not go on praying that they will not be denied coverage, they will not have to file for bankruptcies due to high premiums/deductibles and/or decide between food, shelter and or medications. The moment is NOW. Demoguery will win out and the oligarchy will have won if hlthcare to 94% of the country is not universally distributed.

Juan,Ft Lauderdale, Fl (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 6:30 PM)

I notice that out of respect for the tragic murders at Fort Hood, Texas, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is flying her breasts at half-staff. A quite impressive statement of patriotism, I think.

Martin, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 6:56 PM)

Ahn Cao really wants to get re-elected.

Honorable 65,Santa Maria, CA (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 7:18 PM)

Which of the anti-abortion Democrats, whom the Stupak amendment jockeying was supposed to "secure for their home-conservative base" are included in that ultimate "No" vote, anyhow?

How successful was that gambit, or did it not matter in any case, and only allowed the amended superfluous provision entry into the final bill?

Ed, Astoria NY (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 7:39 PM)

Words have been spoken.
Pages passed.
Lies not even creative.
Glitter and pizazz .....

The drool is at the gate.

The liberals are their own victims.

This time I am happy for them.

Full Moon (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 7:39 PM)

I know one democrat want get my vote in the upcoming election. That choice is mine. So many not representing the constiuents but want to get relected. Hahaha

Jes of Ga (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 8:59 PM)

Wasn't this Bill originall scored as over 1.2 Trillion? And now they have added more to it to get votes. I wonder what the price tag to taxpayers is now? Busts the Pres Obama figure of 900 Billion he said was acceptable too...now he supports it at more..Maybe because he is trying to throw our country down the drain. frigging Lying Communist! I wonder how many of the Demo's in the Senate that said if there was a Public option in the Bill they couldn't support it...will now sell their votes to Obama/Reid/Pelosi and jump on thier Party bandwagon. We need a revolution to take back our country before these Democrats take away all our rights like they are taking our wallets. More Government waste, taxes, corruption.

ckaster, biloxi, ms (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:02 PM)

The mainstream media ought to be ashamed of themselves. How dumb do you think the people who voted for Barack Obama and the American people are. CNN is the worse and believe me the rest are just as bad. I can only speak of Rachel and Keith who do an honest job reporting. They don't always agree with the President, but at least they don't lie or come up with -hit to make our President look bad. People in other countries must really be laughing at the US. We are not showing any kind of goodwill at all. All day long all you see is Obama is in trouble this and Obama is in trouble that. WTF. GOD help us.

Aggie (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:27 PM)

I watched more C-Span last night than I have in my whole life! History in the making.

Yes, I have been surprised at how little coverage the two Dems spots have received...it might end up being a bigger factor than the two governors' races?

Am now bracing for the onslaught from the insurance lobbyist commercials. When you see one, check out their PAC name, then look up the details on www.opensecrets.org It doesn't take long to figure out who is paying for them!

Hope the American public is smart enough to wade through all of the misinformation that is going to be unleashed!

Debra from Oklahoma (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:51 PM)

This is a sad day for our country. I hope our senators have a little bit more sense than the House. I think most Americans just wish to be left alone. Here is a great blog on the subject http://libertypaine80.wordpress.com/2009/11/09/alon/

Anne, Nasvhille, TN (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:15 PM)

Hooray for the Dems who have finally voted against a pro-abortion item. In a country that has laws and limits regarding the treatment of dogs, horses, and a whole list of animals, it has saddened me as a Democrat that the party got so trapped by an issue that demands there be no limits to a woman's right to choose abortion. There are thousands of laws that place limits on all of us, yet somehow abortion became the marker for freedom. We also have the same crazy demand to put no limits on weapon ownership and the wearing of them in public places - and this in a country where we must have an equal number of crazy people as guns. I'm sure that if this becomes law there will be supreme court challenges. Hopefully, the challenge will lose. That's for another day. Congratulations to the dems who had the courage to fight for this...and for health care reform.

mexed, san antonio, texas (Sent Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:23 PM)

Passed by TWO votes? Who does your arithmetic?

an84u (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 6:49 AM)

MSierra, SF

You should be so happy ...

Now you can get your "medical marajuana" for only 5 dollars a month -

Yes, Under Pelosicare/Obamacare - pot is covered!

BoBo Berry (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 7:18 AM)

It's a good thing, a really good thing....
Health care...we all need it..HEY!!!

BJ, CA (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 7:45 AM)

I wonder if the House vote now places additional pressure on the Senate actually to reform health care instead of putting together watered down lip service.

I think that the influence of the House vote will be felt by senators and that groups able to advertise will indeed ratchet up their message. Even Lieberman might be coaxed into publicly getting his way (ie. no public option in the final Senate package) while allowing the conference to keep the public option in.

Fancy That, Kennebunk, ME (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 7:48 AM)

Goodbye freedom! It was nice while it lasted.

Remember America When... (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:08 AM)

"So what happened from Friday, when Democrats seemed just short, and Saturday night?"

Simple...

Lots of money got spent...

Southside FF, Illinois (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:09 AM)

Congratulations: Speaker Pelosi, Congressman Hoyer and Congressman Clyburn: How proud we are of your efforts on behalf of the American people. You conducted yourselves elegantly and made me proud to have supported reform....Forget the purpose of the bill altogether. Listen intently to the loud, evil tone of the opposition to health insurance reform. My God, where did these heartless souls come from? And Michael Steele, his hip-hop-lingo'ish response and swagger to issues that literally mean life and death to millions of American families is so beneath us...his behavior is contemptible and he shames African Americans who might aspire to higher office. Mike, I know you. I worked for the RNC in the 70's, and I am so ashamed of you and your behavior. Not for opposing this legislation, but for the gutter brawl you have conspired to perpetrate upon the American people...And, that sad sad portrait of that Congressman holding "Maddie" and saying..."buy your own insurance..." These are the leaders you chose? Take them out of their misery - replace them with people from whatever ideology - but people civilized enough to debate and communicate the facts and issues. What sad examples of mankind - what sad examples of the leaders of a free people.

JJ Young, Cary, NC (Sent Monday, November 09, 2009 9:37 AM)

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