Congress gave final approval on Sunday to legislation that would provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and remake the nation’s health care system along the lines proposed by President Obama.
The bill passed in a 219-212 vote after more than a year of debate. All 178 Republicans opposed it, along with 34 Democrats.
Arkansas Representatives votes were as followed:
First District Democratic Representative Marion Berry – NO
Second District Democratic Representative Vic Snyder – YES
Third District Republican Representative John Boozman – NO
Fourth District Democratic Representative Mike Ross – NO
Second District Democratic Representative Vic Snyder was the only Arkansas Congressman to vote for the legislation.
The Republicans unanimously voted against the bill, which they say constitutes a government takeover of the health care system, financed by a trillion dollars in higher taxes and Medicare cuts combined.
The plan, according to CBO projections, will cut budget deficits by over $1 trillion in its second decade.
It will subsidize insurance for a family of four making up to roughly $88,000 annually, or 400 percent of the federal poverty level.
The measure, which cleared the Senate in December, will now go to Obama’s desk to be signed into law. It constitutes the biggest expansion of federal health care guarantees since the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid more than four decades ago.
