House passes US health bill

THE Democratic-controlled House has narrowly passed landmark healthcare reform legislation, handing President Barack Obama a hard-won victory on his signature domestic priority.

Republicans were nearly unanimous in opposing the plan that would expand coverage to tens of millions of Americans who lack it and place tough new restrictions on the insurance industry.

The 220-215 vote late on Saturday cleared the way for the senate to begin a long-delayed debate on the issue that has come to overshadow all others in congress.