Congress has approved a package of final changes to the landmark healthcare overhaul. The House of Representatives put the finishing touches on the bill last night after the Senate approved the package on a 56-43 vote. At a rally in Iowa, President Obama dared Republicans to try to repeal the new law. Obama’s speech in Iowa was interrupted when a member of the audience yelled out, “What about the public option?”
President Obama: “That’s the basic aspects of reform.”
Audience Member: “What about the public option?”
President Obama: “That’s not in it.”
Audience Member: “Why not?”
President Obama: “Because we couldn’t get it through Congress, that’s why. So they — but let’s — there’s no need to shout, young man. No need to shout. Thirty-two people — 32 million people are going to have health insurance because of this legislation. That’s what this work is about.”