Date: December 24, 2009

Subject: Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare")

Description: The Senate passed legislation overhauling the health care industry. Provisions include federal supervision of private insurance plans, state-run insurance exchanges, mandatory purchase of government approved insurance by individuals or the payment of a steep excise tax, requirements that employers offer insurance or face fines, subsidies for individuals to purchase government approved insurance up to 400 percent of the poverty level. The bill raises numerous taxes, including a tax on health insurance plans, medical devices and tanning salons. Insurance companies could not deny coverage to those already sick, and Medicare and Medicaid would be expanded. All states except Nebraska would share in the Medicaid cost. The bill reduces support for Medicare Advantage except for designated counties in Florida and includes $300 million in unrelated spending for the state of Louisiana.

Result: Bill Passed, 60-39

Democrat: 59 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Not voting
Republican: 0 Yeas, 39 Nays, 1 Not voting
Independent: 1 Yeas, 0 Nays, 0 Not voting

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