By fitsnews – November 8, 2009
While America watched football or caught up on household chores, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed $1.2 trillion socialized medicine bill that could raise their medical costs by thousands of dollars each year.
In a rare Saturday vote – taken four days after Democrats got their hats handed to them in an off-year election - the majority party in the House passed the centerpiece of President Barack Obama’s socialist agenda, a health care “reform” bill that mandates coverage and makes the government a “competitor” in a market it controls.
The controversial bill also requires Americans to carry insurance – with billions in subsidies for those unable to afford coverage. Businesses would also be required to provide coverage, and any citizen or company who refuses would face stiff fines and penalties.
To pay for the proposal, Democrats are raising taxes in individuals who earn $500,000 or more by as much as 5.4%.
With one exception – Louisiana Rep. Joseph Cao – every Republican voted against the measure. They were joined by thirty-nine Democrats.
Meanwhile, 219 Democrats supported the bill, including U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-South Carolina).
