House nearing historic vote on health care

By By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Story Created: Nov 7, 2009 at 6:29 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 7, 2009 at 6:29 PM EST

WASHINGTON (AP) - The House is wrapping up debate as it marches toward 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."

With little or 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."

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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