WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKTV) - Congressman Michael Arcuri (D-24) and Congressman Bill Owens (D-23) announced that they will vote in favor of the Health Care Reform Bill when the House of Representatives meets to decide the bill's fate.

The bill is officially known in Congress as the Affordable Healthcare for America Act (H.R. 3962). According to Arcuri, the bill is designed to provide an opportunity for individuals, families and small businesses who currently cannot afford health insurance.

Minority Republicans shared 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."

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."

Newly-elected Congressman Bill Owens (D-23) was one of the representatives who got to meet with Obama.

Arcuri said, “When I first ran for Congress in 2006, I promised the people of the 24th Congressional District that I would work to reform our nation’s health care system. When an attempt was made to rush a health care bill to a vote back in July, I stood up and said that we were moving too quickly and I would vote against any health care bill until I had a chance to meet face-to-face and talk to my constituents about their health care reform priorities."

Arcuri added, “Inaction is not an option. We’ve been debating health care reform for over 70 years. For the sake of our economic future, Upstate New York jobs and the future of our health care system, I will vote in favor of this health care reform legislation when it comes before the House of Representatives.”