WASHINGTON -- The House is wrapping up debate as it marches
toward the passage of a landmark health care overhaul bill.
Minority Republicans catalogued their criticism of the nearly
2,000 page, $1.2 trillion measure. Georgia Congressman Paul Broun said, "The American people need to understand this is about a government takeover of the whole health care system.''
But with little to no doubt about the outcome, the rhetoric lacked the fire of last summer's town hall meetings.
The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance
and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not
afford it.
Large companies would have to offer coverage to their
employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defy the government's mandates.
Before the debate on the House floor, House Democrats held a
private meeting with President Barack Obama. Speaking in the White House Rose Garden afterward, the president said, "This is our moment to deliver.''
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