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November 8, 2009 (Washington D.C.) - The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Affordable Healthcare for All Act last night by a 220-215 margin.  Local Democratic representatives Bob Filner and Susan Davis voted for the landmark measure, while local Republicans Duncan Hunter, Darrell Issa and Brian Bilbray voted no. 

In the House, only a single Republican (Joseph Cao of New Orleans) voted for the measure.  In addition, 39 Democrats voted no, including representatives from conservative districts as well as some liberal members.

An amendment to prohibit any public healthcare plan from covering abortion (except in cases of rape, incest, or saving the life of a mother) also passed the House.  Local Republicans voted for the amendment, while San Diego's Democrat members opposed it. 

Senate Leader Harry Reid has said he hopes to bring healthcare reform to a vote in the full Senate by Thankgiving, though many differences between House and Senate bills remain to be resolved.

Watch for an in-depth East County Magazine analysis of the Democratic-backed healthcare reform measure passed by the House to be published shortly (including who benefits and who doesn't), along with analysis of a rival plan proposed by the Republican Party.