By Associated Press and KING5.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Democratic-controlled Congress has approved historic legislation extending health care to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and cracking down on insurance company abuses.
The vote in the House was 219-212. Republicans were unanimously opposed.
Washington state Democrats Brian Baird, Norman Dicks, Jay Inslee, Rick Larsen, Jim McDermott and Adam Smith voted in favor of the bill. Republicans Doc Hastings, Cathy McMorris Rodgers and David Reichert voted against it.
Oregon Democratic Reps. Earl Blumenauer, Peter DeFazio, Kurt Schrader and David Wu have voted in favor of historic health care overhaul legislation. Oregon Republican Greg Walden voted against it.
Democratic Rep. Brian Baird of Vancouver voted yes, changing his stance from last fall — when he voted no on the health care proposal.
Baird said in a statement Sunday that the nation’s health care system can’t be sustained and must be improved.
Baird was one of a handful of Democrats who broke party rank and voted against health care overhaul last November.
Baird is not seeking re-election this year.
