Victory Hurdle

“Pushed over the finish line by President Barack Obama, and marked by ferocious politicking that lasted late into the night, a bill to reform America’s healthcare system is a step closer to reality after being narrowly endorsed in the House of Representatives,” writes The Independent. “Noisy cheers and high-fives were exchanged on the floor of the chamber at about 11.15pm on Saturday, when hours of fractious debate ended with news that the 2,000-page bill had been passed. Democratic speaker Nancy Pelosi won praise from the bill’s supporters for her relentless work in chivvying recalcitrant members into voting ‘Yes’. As their victory became clear, some Democrats asked her to sign their copies of the bill. ‘This is an historic moment for our nation and for American families,’ Ms Pelosi said, comparing the legislation to the passage of social security in 1935. Democratic whips had spent days securing commitments of support from party members and eventually gained the votes of 219 Democrats, together with a lone Republican, Joseph Cao.”