President Obama heads to Capitol Hill for final health vote pitch
President Barack Obama heads to Capitol Hill ahead of crucial final healthcare vote
Saturday, 20, Mar 2010 05:31
By Sarah Garrod.
US President Barack Obama is heading to Capitol Hill to gain support from Democrats ahead of a critical vote on health care reform.
The final vote tomorrow in the House of Representatives is key to the president's promised reforms, and he will be looking to ensure he gets the necessary 216 votes to pass the bill.
Mr Obama will need to have full Democrat backing to pass the controversial bill, which has been staunchly opposed by Republicans who claim it is unaffordable. But, yesterday at a rally the president urged lawmakers to pass the "historic vote".
The reform, which has been central to Mr Obama's domestic policy, aims to provide healthcare for all, and provide insurance to the 32 million US citizens who lack it. The president and Republican leaders have been actively seeking to gain the backing of the Democratic House over the last few weeks.
The House of Representatives and the Senate adopted different versions of the bill in November and December.
The reforms would see expansion of Medicaid for the poor, and will no doubt come to define Obama's presidency if passed.
Yesterday he said at a rally in Fairfax, Virginia: "You've got to help us finish this fight.
"You've got to stand with me just like you did three years ago and make some phone calls and knock on some doors, talk to your parents, talk to your friends. Do not quit."
It has been estimated that the ten-year plan for healthcare reform could cost $940 billion.