House Passes Repeal of Health Law, 245-189

Updated: January 19, 2011 | 6:45 p.m.
January 19, 2011 | 4:51 p.m.

A vote to repeal the health care overhaul law has passed the House, 245-189. Three Democrats voted in favor of the repeal.

The bill would outright repeal the health care law, a signature legislative achievement of the Obama administration, but it is not expected to be considered in the Senate under Democratic leadership.

Despite the symbolic nature of the repeal vote, House Republicans have couched their efforts as fulfilling a campaign promise to stop the “job-killing” health care law.

"When we call this a government-run health program, it’s a fact," said House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, on Sean Hannity’s radio show less than an hour before the vote, "and it's going to destroy jobs in America."

Democrats responded to the vote by highlighting some of the popular provisions of the law that would disappear if repealed, like coverage for dependent children under age 26, guaranteed health insurance coverage for children with preexisting conditions, and the elimination of lifetime limits for individuals’ health insurance policies.

The Democratic leadership held a hearing Tuesday with individuals who have benefitted from the law. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said on the floor prior to the vote she “wished the entire Congress” could hear yesterday’s testimony.

“I wish my Republican colleagues would have had a hearing so they could hear from you the difference it has made in your life,” said Pelosi.

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