Democrats hail healthcare bill

Democrats have hailed the approval of legislation extending healthcare to an additional 32 million Americans as a historic advance in social justice.



The bill was passed in the House yesterday evening by just seven votes.



The speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, says the approval is comparable to the establishment of Medicare and Social Security.



However, Republicans have vowed to continue to challenge it, saying it is too expensive and promotes big government.



Meanwhile, President Barack Obama is expected to sign the bill as early as Tuesday, after which it will go to the Senate where Democrats hope it will be passed by a simple majority under budget reconciliation.