2009 November, 8th

Liliana Dumitru-Steffens

219 Democrats and one Republican voted for a health care bill that will cover 96% of Americans. Obama’s historic victory is celebrated by the media, and hopefully, by the end of the year, the President will be able to put his name on a comprehensive health insurance reform – if the Senate will pass the bill into law.

“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,” President Obama said. “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.”

Republican Representative Joseph Cao’s vote for the legislation makes the bill nominally bipartisan. Cao explained his choice in a statement that highlighted the reasons behind his choice:

“I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents,” he said. Cao’s main focus was on helping his constituents to get access to better health care: “Louisianans needs real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children.”

Cao also voted for a bill that restricts abortion coverage:

“Tonight, I voted to keep taxpayer dollars from funding abortion and to deliver access to affordable health care to the people of Louisiana.”

• 2009/09/10 -- Would Joe Wilson Call John Wayne A Liar?
• 2009/06/14 -- Obama’s Healthcare PR Needs To Get Tougher

About the Author

Liliana Dumitru-Steffens is public relations consultant for Pamil Visions PR. She writes for Everything PR since January 2009. Previously she worked for My-tronic GmbH and Unilever Romania. Email Liliana at lsteffens [at] pamil-visions [dot] net.

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