Obama hails health care vote

US: US President Barack Obama late Saturday hailed the House of Representatives' "historic vote" to remake US health care and said he was sure of signing the ambitious overhaul in 2009.

"Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people," Obama said in a statement savoring the political triumph.

The US President noted that the House's hard-fought 220-215 vote set the stage for a similar battle in the Senate, where Democratic leaders have struggled to corral the 60 votes needed for passage.

"The United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year," he said.

Washington, Sunday, AFP