CNN

thiose who are so against this bill will be the first in line to get their benefits. those are the same people that get on food stamps, welfare and any other "socialism" program that exists. just ask joe the plumber.

No one has a "right" to quality healthcare regardless of ability to pay. That's like saying everyone has a right to a car, or a house, or a computer even if they can't afford it. Healthcare is a business providing goods and services – the federal government has no right to dictate that all Americans must purchase a specific good or service or face legal ramifications. Nor do they have the right to dictate to private corporations how they run their business, slimy as the corporations may be.

As much as I think healthcare needs to be fixed, this bill isn't the way to do it. I hope the Senate kills it.

Rep. Boehner had the audacity to say that he wouldn't increase the debt on his grandchildren! Where was this jerk when Bush, Inc. was doubling the debt for the past 8 years? Republicans dug a hole so deep it will take a long time to get out. Healthcare costs are crushing us. We must make a start at controlling the costs or else our military won't be able to afford to defend us and maintain a healthy military.

Well done, Mr. Cao.

An overwhelming majority of our country wanted this reform and voted Obama in by a landslide because they wanted this. THIS is what America wants. The odd comments here by people so angered by the fact that millions of Americans should be treated humanely and covered with health insurance blows the mind. How can people be so self-centered?

Some of the democrat who voted no are the one want single payer like Dennis Kusinich and I am sure they w ill come around for final vote.
And commentator like Bill where were you guys when Bush was spending money like crazy for war and passed the medicare prescription plan without any worry about deficit.
Now our God loving republican are worry because we are taking care of poor and middle class.

coming from canada where we cater to the sick and the needy it is incredible to hear the dialogue that is going on in the us and terrifying to know that a powerful country such as it is harbours ignorant civilians and right-wing nuts. Despite what u guys think the whole world thinks of the u.s. as racist and stupid ie. rush limbaugh and glenn beck. the next thing you know people will be bringing their firearms to political rallies.... oh wait that happened already what a country i dont even feel like visiting anymore for its sheer ignorance.

I guess 1 Republican makes in bi partisan? Obama reaching across the aisle. It passed in the house but if any of it passes the Senate it won't look anything like this monstrosity of a bill. 1.2 trillion. Immediately taxes are raised yet nobody sees any change in healthcare.

Take president Clintons words to heart. " It's the economy stupid!". Instead of more spending and taxing, you first fix the economy?

This man will take so much abuse now from his own party, but I have to admire his values and principles for the American people. The last I knew we lived in the United States of America, not the United States of Greedy Corporate Wall Streeters.

Congressman Cao, meet the Right-Wing Pundit Spin Machine – and you will come Monday when Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck hit the airwaves!

What's with all of you and your paranoid, "doom and gloom" comments about President Obama? What on earth would he gain, by destroying the country that his two small daughters have to grow up in? What could he possibly gain, politically, by doing what he is attempting, to help ALL of america??? His legacy is already set in stone. You people need to stop believing all that garbage that Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity have been feeding you. You really need to take a good look in the mirror and ask yourselves, "Am I really that gullible and foolish?"

Why is it that true Republicans are called traitors? Gone are the days of guts and glory in the GOP......Palin by her lonesome brought them down, and she's laughing all the way to the bank....And we are stuck with seeing Hong Kong Sue's mug on CNN every other day.....
She really has powerful negative energy......

Blue Dogs, (Repubs in drag), please take notice of this classy, savvy man, especially Ms. Landrieu......A no vote from you is a no vote for you.....

He sold his soul to the Devil! Made a deal which by now any idiot will realize that they will not keep their promise.
Just remember what goes around, comes around. Wait until all you LIberal idiots are crying the blue because you thought you were getting something great only to be duped!!

Better get your apple carts ready people, because when the liberal progressives get through with this country, we're all going to be unemployed and bankrupt...

And that's exactly what Obama, Pelosi and Reid want. We'll have nowhere else to turn but Washington for a handout.

President Obama and the democratic party abandoned women to get one Republican vote. Shame on all of you!

What a novel concept – examining ones conscious and putting the needs of his constiuents first. Good for him. I would have liked so see our congress improve this bill and they still may, but the only other republican strategies I have heard on this was how to win the next election, not improve health care. When it came time to roll up the shirt sleeves, contribute, improve , hash out, and do some actual work for something that benefit us Americans – guess who was nowhere to be found?

I heard a reporter on the radio a couple of days ago, interviewing a group of people at The Villages in Florida. It's a huge seniors community and they were outraged at the very idea of a public healthcare program.

Think about that. All these seniors, living on Social Security and enjoying the benefits of Medicare – both public programs – and they oppose a public healthcare option!

No sense of irony? How many of them are willing to surrender their Medicare? The message I took from it was loud and clear. They said: I've got mine and don't give a rip about you!

Wonder if they'd vote for the Republicans if the Republicans repeal THEIR public healthcare program!

Bravo to the lone Republican who had GUTS to vote vs the rest of his party...He voted for what he thought was best for his constituents, rather than what his fellow members felt. Amen!

And see what happens in his next term along with Pelosi's congress in 2010!!

Bankruptcy we can believe in!

You're done Cao.

Republican's should take note that this is how you rebuild the GOP. I don't agree with him on abortion rights and some of his other positions, but he is representing the people in his district and can clearly see the hypocrisy of the GOP leadership. I wouldn't vote for him most likely, but I can respect him. That is what we need in this country now, not just more R's and D's that conform to party lines.

If Congress had more people like him, I think it would have much more respect as an institution and we'd be better off as a nation.

Rep Cao. If the Republican Party had more of you and Colin Powell and less Ann Coulter and Sarah Palin, I would again be a Republican.

Part of the problem facing this country are the total nut jobs that continually go off prattling nonsense about things they have no information on. The majority of these nuts merely repeat what they hear, not what they have checked for credability. How many of the fruit cakes parrotted the nonsense about the PricewatershouseCooper report costing every citizen $4000 if health care refirm is passed? A reprt that was proven to have been created and constructed for the sole purpose of misleading people. A report that was paid for to be prepared. They parrot the scare tactics that are presented to them by the same industry that is anti-reform suddenly. The same nonsense they repeat is nonsense that is being created by public relations firms for the insurance industry. Most could not make an informed decision because they are for the most part uninformed, selfish, repugnant bafoons. Most can't even see for the light they are being lead by the nose by the insurance industry.

I going to have to refer to this guy as "Wow Cao". Shocked to say the least. He acted like a human being. WOW!

I would love to see a list of the republicans running for re-election next year. I think their opposition to health reform should be highlighted. I would love to see political Ads attacking them for their NO vote.

I guess stripping your elderly constituents of medical care....500-700 billion cut from Medicare during the timeframe when it will see an increase in enrollees by 30% and raising taxes 1.2 TRILLION which will cost of millions of jobs when we already have 10.2% unemployment (Thanks Maobama!) and implementing a new entitlement program whose actual cost is going to be 1.8-2.9 TRILLION when the country is heading to FISCAL RUIN is putting their needs first...oh yeh this guy is a real gem...right along with all the other Dem/Marxists in Congress and that jerk they refer to as President!

How could Cao call himself a Republican and vote for the worst bill in history!?!? What Republican votes for 572 billion in tax increases and a public option that will destroy the insurance market!? This bill sucks!

He is from an extremely liberal district. How about mentioning all the democrats who voted NO. THere were many.

He is from an extremely liberal district.

mr cao thanks God you are the only republican in dc, who did the right thing for the country.i hope the party of no will learn from you.

Well, at least there are 2 Republicans (including Maine's Snowe) who haven't forgotten that there are thousands and thousands of people who are suffering without some kind of health care, and haven't also forgotten how badly broken the current state of health care is in this country. All the rest of the self-indulgent, hypocritical, holier-than-thou Republicans can go to hell.

Bravo, Representative Cao! You have shown morals, integrity, cohones and a real conscience and you are clearly looking out for the best interests of your constituents, to whom you owe far more allegiance than to a rigid partisan ideology. What a breath of fresh air. Don't be surprised if this is too much for the GOP to stomach, though, as they are far more about encouraging hate, greed and intolerance than about trying to get on with running he country (unless it's their way, of course.....otherwise it's the highway).

1. BOTH the GOP and Dem's are in the pocket of special interest. Anyone who thinks different is naive.

2. LARGE Bureaucracies fail, PERIOD. How will creating another save anyone money? This will start out wonderful but trust me, it will become overbearing in time.

3. Anti-Gov. you bet, your individual freedoms are directly proportional to the size of government. If the debt doesn't kill us then all the do gooders who want to make the world a better place will regulate us to death. Utopia has always come at a step price to the individual.

Would it be nice to fix all the insurance issues YES! We all agree on that but a new large bureaucracy isn't the answer.

I am glad at least one Republican lawmaker had a conscience, cared about his constituents, and voted to support the President''s health care reform. I applaud Mr. Cao's courage and attribute his vote to his solid education in a Catholic seminary – as I too was educated. His vote represents the best of what Catholic politician should do.

So the GOP who have no plans except trying to win elections, all voted no but one meanwhile people are sick and dying with no healthcare... and they get theirs at taxpayers expenses.............Does accessory to murder mean anything???? Because when all you do is keep voting no on everything with no solution and people are dying,,,,,makes one think............I THE BLOOD NOT ON YOU HANDS!!!!

Well, we know that ONE rethuglican has a soul...not sure about the other 99.999999% (Actually, I AM sure...THEY DON'T!)

It's nice to see that there is at least one Republican who can think for himself and who can shed the shackles of partisan politics to do what is right.

Don't mean to take anything away from Cao, but he had no choice but to support the bill.

Cao's constituents strongly support the Democrats Healthcare Reform bill, and if Cao expects to make a successful run in 2010, than he knows he must support the Democrats and his district on this critical matter.

Did you notice Mr. Cao did not vote "yea" until it was clear the Democrats had enough to pass the legislation? If it was his vote that would decide whether or not health care passes the house, it's a given he would have went along party lines. By voting "yea" he made himself look favorable in his mostly Democratic district.

You made the right vote. I saw some extreemest say RINO. Who decides that Palin, Limbaugh, or is it attached to anyone willing to work with Democrats? The GOP is in sorry shape. They need a leader willing to work for the good of the American people. It's hard to be bipartison by yourself.

Even though I am lukewarm about this bill, I applaud Rep. Cao for voting his conscious...or, at least what is best for his district.

As for all the Republicans that wanted this bill to fail merely because the Dems control the White House and Congress...or because you think insurance companies and drug companies should continue to fleece the public...too bad.

As for all the Dems who think this thing is the greatest thing since sliced bread and canned beer, think again. It is going to cost a lot of money that we do not have, the RACIST Congressional Hispanic Caucus kept meaningful verification language out of the bill, and the Senate version...if it passes...will be radically different.

All I can say, Thank you, Thank you, sir!! We need this in the worst way and I admire you for having the guts to do the right think. May your constituents reward you.

I applaud Mr. Cao's courage. What he did could not have been an easy decision for a man in his position, and he may very well end up losing his job for it. Certainly he's going to face unrelenting, vile attacks from his own party for months to come, simply for choosing to put the needs of the American people over the wants of the GOP. For that, I feel sorry for him as well.

CAO HAD NO CHOICE!

Cao's congressional district is significantly democratic, and his liberal constituents are leaning heavy in support of Democrat's healthcare reform policies.

And more importantly, Cao did not win his congressional seat through overwhelming support (50% – 47%); Cao backed into the win when long-serving nine term Democratic Congressman William Jefferson was disgraced for allegedly taking bribes, hiding it in his freezer, and supposedly lying about the whole thing.

Call me Obama and I will tell you where you can put this so called health care bill in a hurry. I don't buy that senior citizens won't be hurt by cuts in medicare. Oh I forgot they are savings you are going to put in medicare not cuts. Silly me for thinking you care about senior citizens.

thank you president obama! i laugh every time i hear a conservative
republican say liberals haven't read the bill, don't really understand
what it will do to the economy, or are charmed by obama
to the point of loss of consciousness. the thought that never occurs to them is all of us liberal elites are the ones who invent the MRI's to save your sorry hides, or designs the advanced weapons you use to fight your wars, runs the numbers on complex global economics you and your i finished high school goons can not even comprehend. you default to the idea of palin and her economics 101 speeches, or some tired grammar school axiom that you still apply to soothe yourself that you understand what is going on deeper than those of us are well read,
educated (i.e. a ph.d), multilingual, well traveled and have experienced
more than the dirt road to the mail box, or walmart on friday night. get over it, we are kicking ass and taking numbers as we try to pull us out
of the crap hole bush and cheney left us in...
.

We need someone to look after the poor people who do not carry health insurance. In the name of politics we need to do something that we do not like. Think at the big picture, the sick and poor people will cost more to all of us without healthcare. Stop crying for your own agenda and think about USA.

A Republican with a heart? A Republican who cares about the poor and sick? You better watch out Rep. Coa, The Sarah Palins and Michelle Bachmans of your Party will come after you for not being 'Pure' enough.

PELOSI + OBAMA= LIARS !!!!

where is the transparency??? It was supposed to be posted 72 hours for the public to read.... What a disgrace !!!! The worst President EVER!!!!

Congratulations to Rep. Cao for his position on this issue.
He put his constituency before his party's views.
I admire him very much for this stance.
Doubtless he will suffer within his party.
The GOP stand on health care reform has been very disturbing and entirely politically motivated.
No consideration for the 40 million or more people without coverage.
Extreme scare-mongering for political ends.
Bad-mouthing the health care systems in other countries that have much better health statistics...
This is political integrity ?
Rob

How about an article asking the 39 democrats who did not vote for the bill why they did so? Seems like their reasoning would be more insightful than the reasoning of this sole "Republican."

I'm sure the nut case liberals will be out in force today. They haven't anything else to do but try and figure out how to get more free things from the people that actually earn a living in the country. But tell me this liberals, just what are you going to do when you run out of working people to tax for all your government goodiies you receive?

Looks like Cao will need a job after the election next year. But at least he'll have free health care! He'll have that going for him.

Looks like Cao will need a job after the election next year. But at least he'll have free health care! He'll have that going for him.

Thanks for your courageous stand on the Health care Bill.As an uninsured Immigrant I know how hard and expensive it is to get medical care since I lost my job.

This guy is a joke. First, he changed the pronounciation of his last name (ask any Vietnamese how you pronounce 'Cao') then he sold his conscience for politics.

To all of you Republicans out there who keep saying that the passage of healthcare reform will doom the Democrats and put the Republicans back in power.....

Healthcare reform was one of the main reasons why Barack Obama was elected President....

Keep dreaming Repubs...you are obviously out of touch with reality.

"specifically by forgiving millions in disaster loans to the region.' – Oh ok, I see now. Obama bribed him. I wonder what else he brided him with. It's funny – I'm an independant voter but it is so obvious there is so much curruption between both parties that it's sad. Everyone gets brided to vote for or against bills by the head of their parties... and sometimes by the other party.

Bottom line...this supposed health care reform does nothing to reduce costs, which is what we have been told this effort was all about. The cost of private and corporate health insurance will continue to rise as we foot the bill for those on the public plan. All the Democrats have done is to set the stage for this country to go bankrupt...or to enter a period of hyper-inflation as we print money to pay for all of this "free" care. And I don't want to hear any whining when all of you see your taxes go up...because that's a given. The rich will find a way around it leaving the middle class and business owners to pick up the bill. Nice job Queen Pelosi.

Thank you President Obama, Congressman Cao, and all Democrats who voted and passed this bill. Shame on all the Rebulicans for trying to turn their backs on the Americans that are dying each day for lack of healthcare. Your ideology of holier than thou, trickle down economics, has served it's usfulness. Time to change your ways or take a bow.

Republicans are so blind talking about how can the Democrats add to our deficit? Did you Republicans forget who voted on these stupid wars during your beloved Bush era? That's what is draining our economy. Pick a better argument. Republicans these days are unbelievable.

Coa made a rare and courageous statement, he voted the needs of his constituency. To many of our elected officials seem to think only about relection and the lobbyist that contributed to their political campaigns.

THANKS FOR A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR INTEGRITY IN OUR GOVERMENT!!!!

How dare Rep. Cao stray from the RebirtherTea Party line.
He must be purged immediately for the purity of the cause to oppose
every single policy of our President.

Kudos to Congressman Cao! I am a professional who do have one of the best insurance coverage. A few times I was invited by my Vietnamese compatriots to events in Congressman Cao's honor but declined to go due to political differences (I'm a Democrat who do not believe in Republican "values", especially after having seen Senator McCain picked clueless and brainless Palin as his running mate). However, I have to say that I do admire and respect you for having taken this stand, i.e. support the health care bill. This proves that you do put the interest of your constituents ahead of party lines. I do hope that this will help pave the way to others, be it Democrats or Republicans (put constituents' interest ahead of own party affiliation). Thank you Congressman Cao!

So, the "guys," even the president, are deciding what is best for us gals, right?

It has always been that way. Back into the 1970's we women fought for our reproductive rights.

We haven't gained that much since then.

As far as I am concerned, Obama won't get my vote next round.

Mr Cao,

Thank You for having the courage, honor & intergrity to cast YOUR vote in the manner which best serves the people you represent ...rather than "tuning the voters out "like the rest of the Republican reps.DID !!

Thanks??? to Mr. Cao and the other 219 Yea voters...

Did you know that since Obama has become president, the govt has taken over 30% of all private sector business, examples being banks and GM for starters? With the passage of the Obama-Pelosi-Reid health care bill, govt will own 48% of private business. Add the Cap and Trade (Cap and Tax) legislation that Barbara Boxer is trying to push through while the rest of us are watching the health care debate, and the govt will run 56%!!!!

Are we awake, Americans? We will no longer be a free nation. And he hasn't even gotten to education yet.

To top it off, the US dollar has decreased 17% since Feb when the massive spending began. China owns more of our country than we Americans own.

Cao has no choice, he represents a heavily democratic district and the democrats in his state are already targeting him for being GOPer and anti-abortion. if he voted no along with other republicans he'll get screwed by the Democrats.

If you think that this healthcare bill helps anyone but the politicians and the corrupt special interests that own them, then you have no business opining on matters moral or otherwise.

Christ may have said lots of things, but the only thing I know for certain is that he died and never came back, and that his name was used for the same kind of parlor-trick manipulation that all of you who have a vested interest in either party have fallen for.

I have never registered to vote and this is a perfect example of why. Enjoy your MSBNC and Fox news. Idiots.

I never quite understood why Republicans hold the stance that they do on abortion. You claim to want less government in our lives, yet when it comes to a womans body, you want complete control over that. How does that make sense?

Anyway, job well done there, Rep. Cao. You've pretty much tossed your whole political career out of the window, unfortunately, but at least you can rest peacfully at night knowing you did the right thing.

And here is your answer...

...............asked the president for assurances that the administration would do more to help with ongoing disaster relief efforts in his New Orleans district, specifically by forgiving millions in disaster loans to the region.

It's all a game to the people in DC. Votes can always be bought.

Cao was elected defeating an indited Democrat in a district
that is 60% Democrat. He obviously sold his vote in exchange
for some White House "help" in getting through a tough election
next year.

Obama is a crook. He bribed Cao for his vote ("I'l forgive the loans for your vote"). Obama isn't for the right kind of change. He's for a fundimental change of our country.

My only point of contention is that he 'bartered' a vote (do more to help my district). Can we please get politicians who vote purely on a singular issue and not trade favors (financial or otherwise).

It is heartening to see at least one Republican vote according to what is best for his district - rather than being too weak to stand up to the profiteers in the insurance industry.

For all you that say this bill is "unconstitutional", you OBVIOUSLY have no idea what our U.S. Constitution says!!!

Article 1 Section 8 states:
"The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general WELFARE of the United States."

Why are you repubs so gung ho about spending tax money on wars (defense) but not on the WELFARE of the American people?!? Your unconstitutional!!!!

And if you don't like it, then LEAVE!

Get bent republicains.Finally someone who saw the light on the party of no.

What? Ya mean there's a repiglican who isn't bought and paid-for by the Big Insurance Companies and their lobbyists? Amazing. Who would have believed it? This guy actually stood up for what's right for Americans instead of Big Business. Too bad the rest of his party are such lying crooks.

A republican with out a big $ contribution from United Health Care

Why do the Dems continue to bend over backward to get the token GOP vote? They have the majority and should show some solidarity to move their agenda!

Republicans need more minoirties in their party that can help fight against these evil white men in the Republicans party that continue to vote against anything that will help the poor in this country.

I wonder if Bush ever had the guts to call a Democrat and ask for their support?

This goes to show you that only all white Republicans vote agianst anything that would help minoirty. He vote speaks volume for the minority. If he had been white, then it would have been another no vote. I am so sick of the hatful white men in the party Republicans that all voted against this bill.

Obama probably took advantage of this guy's "freshman" status – he saw an opportunity and acted on it. The whole thing is disgusting.

This bill is nothing more then a gift for all those that are to lazy to earn a living. They want to be taken care of from the cradle to the grave, so they can sit on their collective asses and let other pay.

Some of you are just down right selfish this man did the right thing by voting for this and he is getting criticized for this, even though the bill is not perfect its a person heart that counts just like this President is trying to do whats right in getting the country back on track, No he donot have all the answers but at least he is trying to do something instead of complaing about the mess the last President left him, but no he is trying his darn best to do whats right and one day he will be Blessed for it along with Mr.Cao. GOD BLESS YOU Mr. Cao and President Obama.

That's an interesting story. An even more story would be an explanation of why 39 democrats voted against this bill. Nancy only cleared the number to pass the bill by 2 votes. Not exactly a landslide. And at what cost?

Thank you, Representative Cao. Your vote took intelligence and courage and I'm certain your constituents are grateful. I agree with an earlier post - Republicants, maybe here's your next "superstar"?

Just another Republican that got a JOB from Obama and was made happy, VOTE HIM OUT.

I am very happy health care reform is through the House and on to the Senate. Please call your Senator and tell them to vote for reform.

We need government by the people, not for the corporations.

Dude congrats on making history. You would go down in history as the guy that crossed the Republican picket line to support the needs of your district. All of the other Republicans will have to go back to their states and look their unemployed and other people denied coverage by the insurance companies and would have to explain their votes to them. In the end, after all the lies and distortion fade away, you would stand apart because you had the guts to vote with your conscience. History will remember you and you will be rewarded immensely for your courage. I think you should stay a Republican for the time being and chart an independent course. Support everything that the Republicans oppose and oppose everything they support. Then when time comes for re-election you should run as an independent. Trust me, Obama will do his part to repay you for your vote and your courage. Because unlike the Taliban like Republican Party, the President is a man of character and values.

I need someone to explain this contradiction to me: the GOP supposedly values life, being all pro-life when it comes to reproductive rights, yet they won't vote for a bill which would enable people to have health care access, unless of course, it includes a provision barring women from having access to abortions. On the other hand these same people have no problem with the death penalty, or starting unnecessary wars, killing thousands of people needlessly, or limiting access to basic services to help people stay alive(i.e. food stamps, welfare, etc.) Also let's not forget that for all their talk of being anti-"big government", it was under their watch that we had an increase in the Cabinet, an invasion of privacy, both on an individual and national level, and an expansion of government power. So, can anyone explain to me exactly what they REALLY are?

I'm touched that a Republican would vote with his constituency even if it means bucking the party line. In this era of hyperpartisan politics, it is refreshing and perhaps even a little groundbreaking for this man to do so. It speaks of a time pre-Gingrich when politicians in Washington were motivated by their loyalty to their constituents and their personal platforms rather than lobbyists, campaign contributions, and party lines.

I dont support the bill myself but can surely understand a politician voting to refelct the wishes & needs of his constituents, how do you think the immigration amnesty bills were defeated????

I agree with Cao. Unless it is a health issue where the mother's or the fetus' health is in danger, abortion should not be funded by taxpayer for health care reform. But I think even health issues are not going to be funded.

So I thank democrats for correcting that, and applaud Cao for being lone reasonable republican voice.

As for the republican argument for immigrants receiving health services with a stolen social security number or a fake ID in spite of the language in bill prohibiting...that is just ridiculous. It is called a crime and people do it all the time to get what they want regardless of the law...you can't blame health reform or democrats for that.

Whether you're a democrat or a "moderate" republican, you're all BEGGARS one-half a breath away from standing on a street corner with a cardboard sign asking for loose change.

You woke up one day and discovered that you made some poor choices. Your life isn't all you dreamed it could be. So, you looked around and discovered people who made the right choices, worked hard and sacrificed to get where they wanted to be. You asked yourself, how can I get what they have? Work? No, there has to be a simpler way. Steal it. Tax the producers and distribute their effort among the looters.

But you're not just stealing from the producers, you're stealing from future generations. You're destroying the greatness that was America and replacing it with facism and socialism.

What happened to the self-reliance of Emerson and the founders. Tocqueville warned about these dangers in his book(s) Democracy in America. But why bother reading? You've discovered reality on tv.

One doesn't have to go outside this threat to understand how polarized we as Americans are right now. President Obama won the election by obtaining 53% of the vote on a platform of hope and change and we are seeing increases in job losses, taxes, and gloomy outlooks despite the positive spin the media provides.

Bottom line now is enjoy the kudos, the feelings of superiority, and patting each other on the back b/c next election Republicans will win and undo all the damage created by this administration and Democrats in congress. People need to wake up and read the constitution and understand that government isn't supposed to do everything for us or control out lives through lasws and regulations. We are supposed to live out lives and do the best we can with the government providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare...that doesn't mean welfare state!!!

01/20/13...can't wait!!!

I watched the voting for the health care reform last night and was appaled to see that near the end a Republican voted yes after the president called and asked for his support. I am very dissapointed in him. we need all the support we can get to stop this evil and unfair health care from being approved. It not only will bankurupt our country and destroy our future generations' rights to survive in this economy. It is not fair. This administration will cause us so many problems, such as leading us into socialism, more terror attacks, increase in taxes, takinga away from the SociaL Security. The government has from day one robbed our Social Security system and promised to pay back what they barrowed. They have not paid a penny back. Just think how much money would be there now without the corrupt gov.

This is a great example of a representative listening to his constituents rather than the national interests of the party. Thank you Rep. Cao for doing what you were elected to do.

It would be good to investigate the anti healthcare congress men and women and what kind of contributions in one form of another they are getting from health insurance and pharmaceutical companies. Can some organization like moveon.org can take on such a task?

As a former resident of South Louisiana, I can state that the voters in Rep. Cao's district are desperately in need of help in obtaining health care. He did the right thing, for his conscience and for the people he was elected to represent. That makes him a good and decent man, and a Republican–not REPUGNICANT–like most of the party's officials these days!

Thank you Rep Cao – you are one Rublican that is educated, responsible, mature and an adult. You went to Washington DC to work and make a different.

I bet Rush Limbaugh, GOP, RNC, and Micheal Steele is steaming up, b/c Cao did the right thing for the people whom he represents.

What's the point in holding "a seat that the Republican party would need" if you are going to vote the way a Democrat would anyway? Throw the bum out and vote Democrat. At least you know what you're getting.

Why is no journalist asking this Republican Representatives in the house and senate crying out loud that the bill is going to cut medicare for seniors if they are trying now to pretect medicare they fought so hard against at the time of it's implimentation?
Somebody need to call this hypocrites on this lies.
Oh I forgot the American People forget the past quickly and ready to believe any nonsense coming from the GOP

The Dems don't care how much this will really cost, it's not their money. Watch your taxes go way up!

Has anyone seen how badly the vaccine for H1N1 program is working out? Just another disaster!! Good bye freedom of choice and your money!!!

Cut cao loose. Like scozzafava this goof is a demonrat infesting the GOP.

See you all in a broken bankrupt country..

finally.. a brave man in the GOP.

They could have saved a lot of money by using one of the many prescription discount programs in use currently, by incorporating the card that's already accepted at more than 60,000 pharmacies throughout the US and is free to to have and free to use available at NationalPrescriptionDiscounts.com. It can save up to 75% off regular prices.

Bipartisanship works BOTH ways. How many times has Obama given credit to various GOP members? More times than i can count. How many times have the dems pleaded with the GOP to debate the issues and yet still barely any of them want to. How can anyone blame Obama for only 1 GOP member voting for reform? The dems keep extending there hand only to have it slapped down.
I see comment on this page saying if the GOP blocks health care reform it will be the end of the Obama admin. That really doesn't sound like they want to work with the dems at all. Proof. so do not blame the lack of GOP support on anyone but the GOP. excluding Snow and Cao. Hopefully more will realize why they were voted into office and stop supporting the cooperation that fund there campaigns.

Representative Cao is a true American!!!!!!! He is not worried about running for re-election, but more about his constituents. Great man!!!

Thank you Mr. President! Thank you Speaker Pelosi!!!

Well, Bill, perhaps you are rich enough to pay for any imaginable illness or injury that should befall you or your family, and don't really care what happens to the rest of us. Or perhaps you have spent the money on a boat instead of health insurance and will rely on my taxes to pay for the emergency room visit when you or your family gets sick or injured. Or perhaps you have insurance and are one of the lucky ones that will never lose your source of income and the insurance that comes with it. Or perhaps you are one of the lucky ones that, even though you can't get insurance for some reason, will never get seriously sick or injured. Not all are so blessed.

It's Good to See that Votes can still be swayed with $$$$.

Bush's Katrina failures brings US bipartisan Health Care Insurance Reform. Forgiving Katrina loans brings Wellness to America.

Bail out Main Street not Wall Street. Stop Foreign Investors from Destroying American Health and Wellness.

Families First.

Thank you, Mr. Cao.

Sincerely,
David S.

I think most of the people who are protesting this health care reform even know what they are talking about! They are either not happy about their own circumstances or so ignorant that they have bought into the conservative agenda to stop any ideas put forth by Obama and will do anything to stop them, even if it benefits them and is the human thing to do.
If they are so much against public health care, then they should also protest about public education. We never used the public education system but we still pay for it and don't complain about it.

Of course, he's not even an American. He shouldn't have even been elected to Congress to vote in the first place.
Send him back to Vietnam!

Ya know it makes me think, why is there unlimited money for war and killing but we place a spending limit on our health care.

The republicans need to start hitting the streets in their home states and listening to the people. Stop worrying about the GOP and whether or not your going to get blackballed by them, take care of your constituants and your constituants will take care of you. LOOK AT YOUR LOCAL ISSUES

We need more CAO. The first step is to pass it. The second step is to change laws to make healthcare more affordable for 300 million Americans.

We need to change laws and stop red tapes from hurting the best cheap drugs to be used.

We need to change laws and stop red tapes to buy cheaper equipmetns

There's a specific provision in the bill that says no federal dollars will go to fund abortions accept in the case of rape, incest, or if childbirth will kill the mother. What are you anti-abortion people talking about? Isnt that what you wanted?

Notice how the democrats complain about how the conservatives have to name call and the republicans complain about how the liberals have to name call?

It isn't about liberal or conservative or democrat or republican. There are rude, angry, stupid, people posting in support or opposition of both sides.

This only proves there is no God. People love their parties and political ideology more than God.

Thank you for putting your count;ry first.

Timely phone call.

I wold like to thank CNN for its hard work in promoting the Obamist agenda. It paid off for the American people. FOX , sadly, allows people with disperate opinions to fuzzy up our president's agenda, CNN allows Mr. Obama to focus his attention on the American people and helps him sculpt their thoughts and decisions bringing about change we can all believe in. All Hail the Obama and CNN !!

Any Republican who votes for this poor excuse for health care reform should be thrown out of the party. This bill is the return of big government. Shame on Cao for caving into the "charms" of Comrade Obama.

Amazing......... the freebie generation has acquired a whole pile of support from the hippie free love crowd. Cao is just another politician from a low rent district that only survives by government subsidy. I know cuz I live in one. The loudest and shrillest voices in this debate come from the free-loaders and their political handlers......ie democrats and liberals. They love abortion and low life dependancy because most of them make their livivg catering to that constituency and keeping that bloc of voters enslaved to the things thay are TOLD they are ENTITLED TO!!! Entitlement not responsibility is the game face here. Unless you are giving something away you are a hateful bigot. Ask any liberal. Go ahead ask em. As far as men understanding pregnancy...its about responsibility not an easy gov provided out! As far as other gov provided services....YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING OR IGNORANT OR BOTH!!! But hey jokes and stupidity are sorta free...RIGHT!!!!

One big question. Why do men take it upon themselves to even comment on what women should do with their bodies?One man rants on about abortion as if he'd personally had one. These questions and answers are best left to a woman and her doctor. You men, butt out.

Time to log your vote Americans, this vote shows who is for Americans Health and those who aren't. Remeber congressman, America is watching who accepts the lobbyist money and who votes for Americans, not for party!!

Be it a pub or dem who votes their conscience over getting reelected; it can be said that they are the truest of patriots and servants to ALL of US.

Shame on you Cao...considering where you came from you should see exactly where this "worst peice of legislation since the New Deal" will take our Nation.
You sir are a Coward and Traitor!

Life and death is in the power of the tongue...you guys are walking around here talking about your kids and grandkids not being able to live the same life or better life than you....enjoying all of freedoms that we now enjoy....I will never say that because my kids and grandkids "will" live a better more prosperously life than I have...not just money but health and happiness....I will never pick negatively over my kids and grandkids.....so when you speak it it will happen.......by the way...I have lived a wonderful life...retired after 34 years of service with my company at the age of 54.....I expect even greater things for my kids and grandkids and I will happen for them...no matter what!

Great accomplishment
When the previous administration spent money on wars, the republicans were clapping their hands. Now, Obama wants to spend money on health care, and the republicans are mad and upset. So, it is ok to spend money on killing innocent people, but it is control when the government takes care of its own people?
If Obama were to start a war, I assure you that all these republicans would be the first to support him, because they enjoy blood shedding.

Mr. Shortterm congressman. Here is a lesson I learned sometime back, if you sign a contract without reading it thoroughly, you're an idiot.

If my congressman did the same thing,and I voted for him again, I would be an idiot.

Mr. Congressman, I am not an idiot! You on the other hand......

Just a quick thanks to Rep. Cao and these other loyal Democrats. This historic moment heralds the end of the Democratic Party as currently constituted. VICTORY 2010!!! Woo-Hoo!

Why is it woman take all the blame if they end up pregnant ?
You would think for the way people blame woman when getting pregnant they became pregnant all on their own not another soul had anything to do with it .
It is always the womans fault any way you roll the dice but
then after all the blame game and being pregnant and its her own body others believe they can come in and make all their rules decisions as to what she can do and what she cannot do with her own body .

Rep.Cao is an amazing person. Why has it become such a rare event for a Representative to actually represent the people?

This is a statement of just how disconnected our congress really is. There is little good about this bill. I hope the senate quashes it. This is fiscally stupid. They ignore the cuts to the competition barriers and think a gov;t run organization of lazy ignorant state workers will be better. That is laughable. Abortion was the only plus I could see with the publuic option and they axed that. STUPID!!!!

I just sent an email to Chairman Michael Steele asking that you be removed from the Republican party. This Bill is nothing more that and UN-Constitutional power grab. What RIGHT do you have to try and take over 1/6 of the American economy?!?! The US Consitution FORBIDES IT! Your Pink Slip will be coming at the next elections.

And NO! I'm NOT a Republican!

Finally one Republican that put people first. I saw part of the debate last night and Boehner has a huge stick up his you know what. So rude and orange. Some of the comments made by Republicans last are so far fetched. It was very funny.

Do NOT be saddling the American public with debt just to make yourselves look good! Cutting programs in the guise of it being taken care of by something else is a LIE, and hardly responsible! You only listen to the few who want it and every other handout they can come across!

Finally a Republican with a spine.

Public Health Care

- now the Government will have access to your medical records. Good luck with that!

- healthcare will be a huge program run by the most wasteful and inefficient entity in the country. If you disagree, please post successful large government programs as examples.

- while healthcare won't get here until 2013, business killing taxes will arrive immediately. This bill is a job killer and will further strain the budget.

- Obama promised "bipartisanship", yet no Republican ammendments were even brought to the floor. Unprecedented that two bills with no support from the minority party are blank checks for Pellosi.

Cao showing more courage than the rest of the GOP. These NO Party fools are allowing the right-wing extremists to control their Party and lead them to being ultimately flushed down the toilet of history. Sad!

I have a thought for all the people who are crying about this health care bill because they think that this will be the government taking over our personal freedom. I wonder what all of you people think of the Patriot Act? It was basically a takeover of our personal freedom and our personal privacy! Hypocrites! I'd rather be able to be healthy and lead a long productive life, health care has a role in this!

coward ! too afraid he might not be re-elected...so he sold his "vote"...

My We have a Republican who doesn't vote party line regardless of
what is good for constituents. Wow i wish we could iport some of his ethics to Florida where all the republican reps follow the bidding of the national party. A great case for term limits. Anyhow my hat off to this particular Republican.

That's it RINO, forget about doing the right thing. Forget about doing the RESPONSIBLE thing. All that matters is getting those federal dollars into your district so you can get yourself re-elected. To hell with what's good for the country. Principles are so passe'.

IT'S TIME TO CLEAN HOUSE, REPUBLICAN PRIMARY VOTERS!!

you traitor. where are these foreigners coming from. i'm scared.

Finally a Republican with common sense and who is in Washington to look after the constituents who elected him to Congress. He listfened to the People and voted for what was huname and right. He voted his consciience instead of following failed Republican rhetoric of hate, lies, and bribe-taking from the insurance industry.

We need more dedicated civil servants in our government like this Congressmen. He needs to go talk to his Senator, Mary Landriru (D-LA) on also doing the right thing on healthcare reform in the Senate.

Republicans – wake up – everything is NOT about you and your disntegrating Party. It's about the People, stupid!

Cao – if you're going to vote as a Democrat on these disastrous bills, then the GOP doesn't really have much of a need for you in that seat, got it? You're effectively a Democrat in this regard, and it's in the GOP's interest to replace you, got it?

That you sold your vote to the WH is even worse than simply voting for this thing because you foolishly think it's the right thing to do. Despicable.

Finally, a republican who put the needs of his district ahead of his own needs!!!

Too bad the administration does not worry about creating jobs as much as taking over are health care. I support who ever cares about his or her fellow countryman.And I really do not feel the love.While everyone is worried about healthcare bill that wont take effect until 2013 maybe, are country is going down the tubes , UNEMPLOYMENT,a banking system that is out of control.If everyone would stop the bull and wake up and realize were all in this together, we can get thru this.

Cao, get your resume updated. You're gone next year. Back stabber!!!!!!!!

Thank You Congressman Cao you did the right thing.

This is the worst piece of legislation to ever come out. IT IS GOING TO COME BACK AND HAUNT US FOREVER
JUST WAIT till the TAXES BEGIN TO really support this bill. And JUST wait until we lose good doctors because they can't get paid enough.
And then there is the budget shortfalls and the reduced benefits.
It is ALL just a matter of time now. NOTHING IS FREE
MB

"... to hold a seat that the Republican party would need." Was he joking when saying this? Why would the Republican party need him anyway if he ends up voting with the Democraps? It would have been much better if he called himself a Democrap. I am a Vietnamese American and so ashamed of what this bastard just did to our country.

Mr. Cao, you're a good man. Thank You for doing the right thing.

Today's award for best comment:

"...Good for Cao but shame on dems for buckling on funding abortion;
If men could get pregnant; the gop would make abortion a sacrament..."

joel palmer November 8th, 2009 12:30 pm ET

(Well said, sir! Congratulations.)

Rep Cao should be voted out of office along with the democraps that voted for this takeover of our rights to keep what we earn. This measure is unconstitutional and will not make it past the Senate.

Why would anyone... even a democrap vote for a bill that inflates our mounting debt under Obama without.. TORT REFORM and Insurance over state lines. IS this so obvious that even a democrap can't figure it out!

This just means Glory Days for conservatives in the next elections...go democraps, seal your fate you idiots! Isn't this like an animal chewing off it's own leg?

Mr. Cao you are a Courageous man. I know all thenut case Republicans will trash you but you did the right thing put people before Party.

joel palmer, I've been listening to that crapola for 40 years now. The reality is, if men could get pregnant, there would be no such thing as abortion, because no MAN would flush his own offspring down the toilet, and allow himself to be brutalized like abortion brutalizes women.

That is the real truth – men would NEVER let their insides get scraped out like a Halloween pumpkin, and dump their children in the garbage. You don't have a clue about what you are talking about.

Why are you people so mad because people will get health insurance?

This is exactly the kind of guy the Republicans need!!!! Someone who is in it for his constituents and not just in it for campaign contributions from Big Business and special interest groups! But, unfortunately the conservetive wacko's have put a big bullseye on him now, to be sure!

Good comment from Cougar above about post office, police and fire depts, public schools and universities, the military, medicare, social security, govt. jobs and govt. pensions. I'm not sure that people who are protesting this health care reform even know what they are talking about! They just hate Obama and "the libs" and will do anything to stop them, even if it A. benefits them and B. is the human thing to do.

Wonder what he was promised by the Chosen One?

BYE BYE RED STATE DEMOCRATS!!!
Oh, by the way, the abortion language will be stripped out if the Senate passes their version and the two version of the bill need to be amended - so you can be naive or stupid - your choice.

Personally, I would rather see government funding for BIRTH CONTROL and better reproductive education in this country.
Just my opinion, of course.
But kudos to Mr. Cao for putting the people of LA first, and not the party. Maybe the Repub leadership should consider making this gentleman their new "superstar".

Marc – you completely discredit your argument with all your name calling. Why is it that the left chooses bitterness and name calling over debating the issues. Is it because they do not have any arguments with any merit? Just curious.

Neocons are incredibly hypocritic on this issue. They say that the abortion provision is the most important issue about health care, but they still threaten to oust anyone who dares vote for the health care bill, even if it specifies the ban of federal dollars for abortions. Let's face it, they'd vote against the bill even if Obama let republicans write it!

Oh, and btw, most insurance companies cover abortions, so chances are your current private insurance provider is already using your money to pay for somebody else's abortions. And yet neocons NOT ONCE criticized that! Hypocrisy!

One Republican vote does not make this a bipartisan bill, just another example of how Obama lied about working together for the country. The good thing is that this bill will die the death it deserves in the Senate and maybe they can start work on a bill that is beneficial. What happened to the President's promise of a bill under a trillion dollars? Oh, right, it went the way of all his promises.

cry about? are you kidding? yes, reagan, bush 1 and 2 etc passed bills and spent money like there was no tomorrow. but hello cindy, at least there was money there to be spent. were soon to be broke, medicare, and medicaid, etc are almost broke, social security is broke. Obama goes on with Bush's trillion or 2 trillion dollar stupid bailout, another stimus bill at what, 800 billion, this health will cost another trillion or 2 or 3. Not everyone deserves everything. God there are some people who are so greedy. And you don't get it either. This is for illigals, those who don't deserve it, hello 5000 buck fine if you don t get a plan for yourself. Hard working, big money making people are going to be screwed. America is on its way to the grave. Bet on that. this was the agenda since Reagan. Owwwww yeah yeah in the back rooms of washington, thinking, pondering, plotting, yessss we can make them all depend solely on us. Screw Beck, Limbaugh etc, fat stupid wind bags the lot of them, all of them. the american people will suffer for all this nonsense.

It's interesting that the people who are writing on this post and are so angry toward President Obama are the people who can't spell words correctly or formulate a thought that makes any sense.

To you, I would quit listening to Rush Limbaugh and go out and get an education.

This is the start. It may not be exactly what I wanted personally, but it's a beginning. Every single person in this country has the right to quality health care regardless of ability to pay. I applaud President Obama for his tenacity and Rep. Cao for standing up to his party in order to do the right thing. Now lets build on this and get a real health care plan that works.

Kevin, you do realize that the right to an abortion was passed by the Supreme Court along about 1973, don't you, and that it involved privacy issues? I don't know what the makeup of the court was back then, but I do know Nixon was President, and I do know every Republican President since then has not overturned the decision. It was not a law passed by a Democratic majority in congress. And, honestly, what right do you think you have to tell a woman who has to make a horrible decision what she can or cannot do with her body. Do we women tell you men what you can do with yours? Seriously?

South Bay: Nice try at spinning, but they got to this guy – he was bought and paid for, Chicago style!

When you run for election on one platform and vote based on your personal financial interests after you get elected, that is not called "putting country first" – that is called being a lying sack of garbage, and his voters will dump his sorry butt in 2010 for NOT voting the way he campaigned that he would vote.

Save the commie/McCartyism vitriol for another day, South Bay – that dog ain't hunting today!

Sniffit,

Why don't you do what your name implies.

I've lived in S. LA for many years and have a socially conservative viewpoint. I believe free market thinkers would have abandoned N.O. years ago [except the Port], given the City is flood-prone and continues to sink below sea level [oil & gas & salt extraction from underground reservoirs], and withheld all $ to prop the City back up.

Looking back, what happens when an area within our U.S. becomes disporportionately "affected" [i.e. hit by hurricane]? Do the residents just pack up and leave? Who represents those who stay behind? Because the free marketeers appear to take all steps to avoid these affects, they become the best creator of new Dem party votes in recent memory [like Rep. Chao]. Where in the U.S. are the Repubs fortifying their traditional States/Districts as effectively? Obama once again benefits from Bush W mistakes. Repubs better awaken soon or single party becomes status-quo.

funny are really clueless racist really are. things are not going back to the jim crow days. there are too many minorites in this country other than black for that to happen. there is a revolution going on against all rich bigots, who seem to belong to the rep party. all this teabag crap, the birthers, the tenthers, the freedom work crap is nothing but a beard for the racist right wing in the rep party. lot's of folks are running scared in the right wing block. they are like a wounded animal, striking out at anything that moves. the republican party are the modern day nazi's. they seem intent on violence.

I see Cao holding a little girl. His daughter I presume.
I want to see Cao and his entire family put on the government
health-crap program.
Is there any clearer example of "Let them eat cake"?

When 9/11 occured, there was an editorial photo of the
Statue of Liberty on bended knee weeping.
Well, her knee is bent, her head bowed and the tears are running again.

The passage of a bill that hardly anyone in Congress has even read and which is heavily protested by citizens across the country is as close to treason as one can get.

Make no mistake, this bill is nothing more than a power-play by the Obama administration. Chicago politics at their worst.

Where are the heroes among us who will come to the aid of their country and squash this evil-in-play?

Why are republicans afraid of democracy? If Cao's constituents think that his votes represent them then he has every right to vote for a bill, democrat or republican! Why is the RNC trying to supress its more moderate constituents?

What i find amusing is the people who say that the president should focus on putting people back to work. How do you propose he do that? Would that be socialism? Don't many of you hate that idea? I am a dem and not a fan of socialism myself. I do enjoy freedom! If the pres created jobs, they would be government jobs right? He can not create private jobs as far as i know. So, think about the things you say people. You can not have it both ways.
This reform on Health care will save people money and create some piece of mind, which in turn, will start job growth and spending. Next up, climate change.... That will keep dollars in our country, keeping us safe and out of wars to protect oil, help our earth and create many many jobs that can not be out sourced. Or we can say forget it and let china take the lead even father and give more money to the Saudis.

GOP is harmful to the middle class

Sy goodby to your political "career", Sir, you have just voted yourself out of office.

Why is CNN making a big deal about a republican voting for a bill that will help most Americans. Isn't this what they were elected for. no matter what party affiliation they belong too.Maybe CNN is forgetting what the forefathers wrote I think the media should give credits to a representative
when he/she disregard his personal issue for the good of the country.
And not be a cheerleader for both dueling sides. THIS IS AMERICA FOR CRAP SAKE NOT A ROMAN GLADIATOR CONTEST.

Hey, look, this guy wasn't bribed!

Rep. Cao brings a lot of pride to Vietnamese folks across the nation.

With all of the accusations by republicans of Dems being Socialist, Nazi, etc. , it makes you wonder if the REAL nazi's of the 1940s fled to America, embedded themselves in various parts of the country, hijacked a political party and systems and planned a massive take over of our country, using teabaggers, birthers, neocons, and any other fringe
group to carry out their deeds.

This word nazi is really being thrown around loosly among the right
wing. It makes you wonder.

Way to go, Cao!

It's amazing to me that some of you insight religious rage against a public option, Christ supposedly healed the sick, rich and poor alike, but you are so easily swayed by the deceit of the power elite and their corporate overseers. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle....whosoever takes care of the least of these....if your neighbor asks you for his coat, give him your pants as well....are you people servants of Christ, or the proponents of social inequality that will drag us all down in the end? Ahhh, self fulfilling prophecy sucks.

I spent over 8 hours watching the health care debate. It was democracy
at its best. I was particularly impressed with the democrats rebuttals of
the fallacies dished out by the GOP members. I almost cried when I saw
a single vote from the GOP member in favor of the health care bill. I said I would like to know the lone ranger. Mr. Cao did the right thing. He voted his conscience and he knows that his district would benefit
from the passage of the health care reform.

If the GOP decides to punish Mr. Cao for his vote, democrats would do
well to encourage him to cross over to the democratic party. After all,
in 2010, the democrats would capture that district, because it is heavily
populated by minorities. GOP was lucky to win the district because of
Jefferson's scandals.

What did the GOP and Bush do for New Orleans during and after
Katrina Hurricane? Not much. It is on record that the Democrats
passed Social Security, Medicare, Medicaide, and Veterans Bill. Again
the GOP is on the wrong side of history as always on Health Care
Reform. God bless America. It is the best country on this Earth.

Cao did the right thing..he listened to the voice of God...and his constituents. There is a terrible misconception that says or believes people do not want health care offered for the masses under affordable coverage....people DO want that...they just don't want to bankrupt the next four generations. I personally feel, this vote honored God and he will put his hand and guidance on the next phase- getting rid of all that has evil intent -and make it a plan that everyone can accept.
Well done!

Pat F wrote: "Watch this guy's career – after his voters boot his rear out of office in 2010, he'll get a nice, cushy job – probably with EEOC.
Filthy traitor – peddled your butt to the highest bidder, eh?"

So, Pat, anyone who supports and votes for a health care bill is a filthy traitor and a prostitute who "peddles his butt to the highest bidder?"

Have you ever considered the possibility that some of us believe that the American health care system could be improved? I do. Most Americans do, according to the polls.

Have you considered the possibility that the continuous outsourcing of jobs, the declines in middle class salaries, the deterioration of employee benefits, the increase in unemployment, and the increase in medical costs might have made it difficult for some Americans to get the medical care their families need?

I am lucky. My employer provides me with health insurance and pays a little over half of the premiums. My insurance company, by the way, tells me what doctor to go to and tells him what he can prescribe for me.

In co-pays and premiums, my wife and I pay about $12,000 annually for medical care. If I lost my job, we would have considerable difficulty coming up with an extra grand a month for medical care.

Who pays for your medical care, Pat? See if valium is convered and then go talk to your doctor.

To the GOP MORON who made a comment some months ago along the lines of " if we can kill this healthcare reform bill, we can finish this administration". Every negative/ nasty approach you and the "get-a-along gang" have taken has effectively blown up in your faces. I for one don't want you to stop, because this type of behavior and rhetoric is one the main reasons Obama won. Everytime you, Boehner, Limbaugh, and the like open your traps and something ugly comes out, which is quite often, you make him look like the Rock Star for a President that he is. Speaking of the "get-a-along gang", ever heard that old cliche' " if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

R.I.N.O.

The Health Care Bill is another government bureacracy that will probably work about as well as all the others (Social Security, Freddie, Fanny, USPS, etc. etc. etc.). And believe the fantasy spins if you want but it WILL lead to higher taxes and increased deficits. No true conservative would vote for it.

If Republicans aren't going to be conservatives then I'm not a Republican but you can bet your bottom dollar I am a conservative and a capitalist.

All RINOs should be voted out, they are just democrats in disguise. No excuses.

What a stupid comment to make about Dems slaughtering babies.
Hello??? The Stupeck amendemant passed! 64 House Democrats voted to pass that amendement which took abortion out of the bill.
So give me a break. Now if you Republicans would stop listening to your Messiah's Glen Beck and Rush Limbaugh, The Conservative Messiah's, then you would see that abortion has been removed from the bill. What do you have to cry about now?? A Healthcare bill that is going to help people?

Thank you congress for passing a bill in favor of the citizens of this country for a change. I can accept the abortion amendment with the exception for womens health, incest and rape. Abortion is still legal and it should stay that way. I do understand that some people do not want tax dollars to go to that. I guess that is what we call compromise. Well done!

Hurray for Re. Cao. It was dishonorable for the rest of the republicans to insist on the abortion amendment, and then once they got it, to not vote for the bill anyway.

A Republican who votes with his constituents interests in mind rather than his party's or his own? Meet the newest addition to the RedState.org hit list.

I respect him for voting the desires of his constiuents, but I have a hard time believing this bill would have passed if some of the other members of congress had done the same.

Cougar – I think it would be interesting if the people walked out on those services – along with their tax dollars as you suggested. I believe the private sector could do a reasonable job filling the gap. You should definitely push for that.

GI Joe – you seem very misinformed. Name calling and attempts at class warfare have no place in reasonable discussion.

Representitive Cao represents a new generation of Republican leaders who are beginning to reject the Radical Fundamentalist Republicans that have made a play to take over the GOP. Steele is a buffoon, a tool, irrelevant. Cao did the right thing...for both America, adn his political career.

A public servant who puts the needs of his constituents ahead of his party's desires. What a novelty !

And who said the GOP is the party of NO? LOL

People are comparing Cao's vote with "selling is soul to the devil".

The religious fanatics who have taken over the GOP are descendant from the strain of "Christians" who gave us the Inquisition – and are cousins to all intolerant, hateful, destructive religious forces throughout history.

No wonder people are leaving the GOP in droves!

GO Go go, keep it going Dems, keep it going, keep slaughtering the babies. more and more money to slaughter the baby. And in cali i ve heard this morning that the pets will also be slaughtered more and more now. how many innocents since 1973 now? 50 million innocent babies killed? thank you washington!!!! thank you!! We don't need these babies anyways, do we? Keep the population control up, and now this new bill will do even more for this, and heck now many more older useless people will be allowed to help die, Run them all out of the world, who needs them anyways, keep it up washington, you clueless wonders

I like the way Finch put it: Rep. Cao put his constituents above 'Party loyalty' and he has his priorities right. Now I just wish the President and Congress had their priorities straight because THEY SHOULD HAVE MADE SURE THEY HAD THE JOB MARKET FIXED BEFORE SPENDING ALL THEIR TIME AND POLITICAL CAPITAL ON HEALTH CARE. Not that health care reform isn't important, but it should have been more important to make sure that they were putting Americans back to work, and no, the Economic Recovery Act by itself isn't going to do it, which the latest unemployment figures make too obvious. Pass tax breaks for hiring the unemployed, for God's sake! That should have been an obvious fix that they could have gotten support for easily. You put more Americans back to work, THEN see how much support you'd have politically to reform health care. They put the cart before the horse. It's as simple as that. STUPID.

When the impact of this bill is really seen a few years down the road, the legacy of those that supported it will forever cast in sh#t.

As a resident of Louisiana, where many uninsured citizens live, I applaud congressman Cao. Steele, the penultimate Republican nerd, can suck it up. New Orleans voters are not going to do anything but pat Cao on the back for this. Mary Landrieu on the other hand has sided with the banks and corporations and needs to attend to her votes on this issue or just go over to the Republican party.

Gee...thanks Your vote was for the people you serve and that's better than gold.

All the criticism against Cao – who put the needs of his district first, which is what Congress members are supposed to do – just shows how un-inclusive and intolerant the GOP has become.

The GOP's tent is awfully small, rigid and restrictive – and its members are treated like little children: "If you don't do exactly as we say, you'll be punished!"

Why anyone would want to be a member of such a dysfunctional group of ignoramuses, is beyond me!

If more Republicans voted with the wants of their districts, the GOP might just become a viable party once more. Thank God they're too brainwashed by Boss Limbaugh and Facebook blogger Sarah Palin to learn from from Congressman Cao's example.

Wow, a republican with a conscience. Rare.

This is a side comment....but it has been eating me for 12 years now. My family lost everything, and I mean everything including our farmstead, and farm lifestyle to the Great Flood of /97 in Grand Forks, ND. FEMA gave no help. None. Their beuracracy of forms were hundreds of pages long before you could even file a claim. We people of North Dakota and Minnesota pulled up our own boot straps and we are all still strapped with thousands of dollars of debt that we each had to take out to rebuild our lives, our homes, our community. No one has ever offered one iota of help after the Flood. Why then, is New Orleans' still asking for aid....hey, if that's the way it's going to be, I have a house debt of $129,000 that I could use a litle help with......

god bless america. where we let such nim rod in. Wow i think the senators and congressmen and women or getting sooooooooo much smarter. nottttttttttttttttt.thank you washington, thank you very very much, took over 200 years to build this country to be so great, and your destroying it over just what 1 to years. Your so out of touch. So so out of touch. What i want to know is who is paying you off, what organizations? Who is behind this? You have not the minds to destroy the country all by yourselves

Congressman Cao represented the needs of the people, not the insurance companies. More power to you sir!

President Obama just secured his 2012 election with one master stroke! He will be remembered with the greats like Wilson, FDR, Truman and Kennedy!

What a radical concept, a GOPer who values the needs and desires of his constituents over the fatwa issued by his party's leaders! Boehner's & Cantor's heads must have exploded! Reason and responsibility have no place in today's GOP–especially not when cheap, theatrical points are there to be scored.

Not to worry, I'm sure Palin, Beck & the Club for Growth are lining up a primary challenger who will slavishly follow party orthodoxy. It worked so well for them in NY-23 after all...

Why should Cao follow the "make no mistake" forum? He is DOING what the voters that placed him into office is supposed to do. The best thing for America is for the other so called congressmen/women to follow suit. So what if the Republicans threaten to do something? Cao is only doing what he feels right for the American people. Freedom of representation and not looking out for himself like alot of the others in there. Did they not learn in 2009? I think that Americans are far better off with President Obama than with the previous "leader". Where were the tea-baggers when the past administration was sending/spending OUR money on "their" agenda creating a totally different and "HUGE" deficit that did not benefit anyone but themselves?! Play nice now!

Well done Representative Cao! THANK YOU, Sir, for putting the needs of the people over narrow ideology and Big Money interests. The Republican Party will need many more individuals like yourself if it is ever going to redeem itself and appeal to a wider audience.

It would be interesting to know the number of people sending in virulent remarks about the President and Congressional Democrats who have supported legitimate health care reform who will receive increased health benefits from this bill. They probably will never say they were wrong but as a health care worker for the last 39 years, I can tell you it is a long time coming. These writers talk of supporting Congressmen and Senators being in someone's back pockets. I can tell you this, under the system we have now, Insurers, health care equipment suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, HMO executives and many others have had congressmen in their back pockets for many many years. If our current system is so great, why are are there millions of worthy citizens not covered or unable to obtain or afford coverage? Do you not realize that for all of these oersins who have no insurance coverage, when they get so sick that they have no choice but to go to a general hospital run by the city or county they live in, we are paying for their care which is usually much higher because they waited until they are deathly ill? By requiring everyone to obtain coverage, the pool of financial resources grows and overall costs are shared by more premium payers. Without the government option, private insurers are licking their chops at all the extra money coming to them. Do you really think large private companies are going to lower premiums because they love us? They use every excuse to justify the rares they charge now. This would not change without a low cost public option.

Will the real sniffit please come out....I can't take this fake one....the difference...high school diploma and a few degrees

A bigger question. What did Obama truly say? Did he admit that he is our Commander in Chief and the incident in Texas was due to policy failure on his part? That he should have listened to his serviceman who said he did not want to be sent to IRAQ or Afganistan to fight against his people, after he'd been through so much at Walter Reed caring for injured soldiers? Policy people, policy, it's time our President listens to the 'heart beat' of our sevice members, they are multi-national and religious diverse, if they have a problem, we should be listening and allowing for a change in plans.

Congressmen Cao voted for his district and not his party, he did his job, he should get a medal. It is hard to believe there wasnt one other GOP congressmen with enough "balls" to do the same. Are you all to scared to stand up to your party?

Of coarse he had to vote for it. He needs the ACORN vote..

Pat F,
He elects to serve his people and it's ethically wrong because GOP's principle is party first and Americans last. Calling him traitor reminds me that's how communists do when you go against your party. What do you label when some Dems voted against their party?

Sorry, but all I see here is racist, ignorant, uneducated remarks. For one, Obama has nothing to do with this bill legally. It was suggested by a congressman, passed by congress, and Obama hasn't touched it. Only reason Cao voted for this bill was because of his strong feelings about abortion which is completely irrelevant to this issue.

Not a single plane has come smashing into a US building so far Obama gets many kudos from me....now a public option....is it me or is Obama already a better President than Bush would have ever been even if he had 16 yrs to run the country? hmmmm

Wow a Republican putting the People first SHOCKING! They are not known for that great job CAO!! other Members of his party should take note and learn from him PEOPLE FIRST NOT PARTY!!!

Michael Steele heads a party that consists mainly of white men. He should be blasting the Repubs for their lack of diversity, which is destroying the party.

Instead he goes after Rep.Cao , who has the audacity to vote in the interests of his constituents. No wonder only 20% of Americans say they are Republicans.

What a flippin' crock of crap !!!
Where are the jobs people. Where in the heck do these politicians think the money is going to come from? Oh, that's right, from a few rich people -- but only if they don't renounce their U. S. Citizenship first !!! And who might blame them? We allow any and all foreigners onto our soil, with all the rights of the citizens, except to pay taxes !!!

Wake up America. Who will pay the bill? Without jobs people sit on their couches and pay nothing in but need everyone else to take care of them.

Time to bring the jobs back to America!

@Cougar, who says: "To all of the right-wingers who are so anti-govt: If you benefit from the post office, police and fire depts, public schools and universities, the military, medicare, social security, or hold govt. jobs or receive govt. pensions: Start walking your talk, and give up all of these services now.

Just another example of a Liberal nut taking a sentiment entirely out of context and trying to use it as propaganda, just like Obama does.

Conservatives are not in favor of "no government". We aren't in favor of anarchy. We aren't in favor of prehistoric every-man-for-himself rules. The federal government should exist to provide such services as military and security, national postal services, etc.

As for "police and fire", those are locally controlled, by State and municipalities, which is exactly where the power should reside, per all Conservative arguments.

You have no idea what you are talking about. Pick up a book and put your keyboard down. DC Johnny 1 – Cougar Moron 0.

our tax dollars should not go for funding abortions

Wow, a congressman who answers to his constituents. Congrats to Congressman Cao!

Most republicans must be retards or mentally deranged. If you don't follow their narrow Taliban like ideology, then you sold your self to the devil. The problem that they have and will never recover until they fix it is that they measure every thing as black or white and all is tinged with religious ideology. Well, I don't want their brand of religion to tinge my affairs. All that caca BELONGS IN CHURCH and should stay out of public life. I'm not against religions until they start to force themselves on my life. What I believe is my private affair and no one's business. I want republicans to stay out of my life's business. And they have the gall to say that government is trying to run people's lives and that this is a socialist government... yackity yack! You want to know what is really important? THE ECONOMY! Without that you can't even have religion to your flavor. Fools! Work for all of the people not just special interests. Thank God Obama is trying to fix the mess left by the conservative religious wackos and the republicans. Good job BO.

I was extatic when this bill pass last night. It was a glimer of hope seeing atleast one republican for it. But it was hardly bipartison. I hope we have more then just 1 republican next time.

So he voted for a bill that he didn't read. It's only 1.2 + trillion dollars. Here comes the takes.

Too bad a lot of other Repugs did not vote for the best interests of their constituents Nada are perfectly will to let their constituents die.

At least congressman Joe is honest and he is not playing politics as usual.

The protest is against the bill because it is unaffordable...even the Liberal Washington Post does not endorse it..what is funny is these young Obama supporters have no idea they just voted to have the government take money out of their pockets...not only do the younger generations have to pay into SS to replenish the coffers for those retiring but the cost burden of health insurance for the elderly was just shifted to them...suckers..should have stayed in school!!!

BTW...to the 'Cougar'...we already pay for thiose services...we don't want to pay for more, and I don't want to pay for your ignorance.

This also is not her first time the president has bought votes...California, MIchigan, Illionois...2010 is almost here and we already saw a foreshadowing...why do you think the panic button was pushed to 'spend while you can'...a con-man was elected and his colors are showing.

Cougar – nobody is saying the government shouldn't provide military, post office, police or fire, or that there shouldn't be people employed to conduct said services. Ditto for schools at the local or state level. But I fail to see the government's role in administering a health care plan, purchasing automobile manufacturers, or deciding which companies should and shouldn't fail. And BTW, I don't really expect to see a dime in social security by the time I retire. So, yes, I will be giving up that service.

Republicans have rubbed the American public sore....watch what happens in a few years when Americans with health problems last resort instead of filing for bankruptcy can seek shelter in the public option watch as the Few remaining Republicans are flushed out!

So far, Cao is the only Republican working for people first? I am sure his party is not happy about this because his party's principles, although family value is one of them and has been proven to be hypocritical and sugarcoating, are in reality to work for the party first, not people or country.

Well at least one Repub had the courage to vote his conscience and not follow the rest of the idiots who voted against the bill.

Congratulations Congressman Cao. Be proud that you stood up and made the right decision.

So Senate it's your turn to get the job DONE this year. No going home for the holidays until you're finished.

Reform is a right not a privilege like the Repubs make it out to be with their no no no attitudes.

This doesn't matter. If the Senate can't pass a bill and then BOTH bills get reconciled and voted on again, this would be purely symbolic. Given the vote was 5 votes in favor of passing in the House, past history tells me that unless reconciliation is used, 60 votes are unattainable.

I AM GLAD THIS BILL PASSED. I have great health insurance right now. But what is I lost my job hence my insurance. Then where would I be. It is the TIMES, that people are losing their jobs. It is not the fault of our current administration, but it is what it is. The party of No, which I used to be a member of, needs to get over their sad and angry selves and do what is best for the country.

Just remember how many Republicans in Congress are so anti-government they refused to take military pay.

It's nice to see a man stand of for his constituents. New Orleans has been hit by so many problems. The republiCANTs won't get him voted out- his district is Democratic even more so than before.
You baggers and birthers are out of time- out of touch- and out of your minds.

How DARE Steele and his "Merry Men" and other sidekick REPUBLI-CAN'Ts threaten other members NOT to vote for the health care bill??? Who in the HELL he thinks he is??? YOU must go by your district and your constituents who put you in office and CAO did the right thing!!!

The DUMB 39 Democrats who voted against the bill and at the same time, got in office because of their constituents are the ones who need to WORRY!!!

Cougar:

Post office: I use UPS
Police: Never called them
Fire Dept: Never Called them
Public School: Never let it get in the way of my education.
University: Can't afford to go because of taxes/market price jacked up by government subsidies for the irresponsible.(When I've saved my tuition I'll go private so I get my money's worth.)
Military: I've never opposed military spending, not that they can offer you as much protection as I have created for myself.
Medicare: Employer pays my health insurance.
Social Security: I'll never see a dime of it.
Govt. Jobs: I couldn't keep a straight face or pretend to be useless long enough to make it past the interviews.
Govt. Pensions: Govt can't even pay it's HUD handouts on time. I hope nobody has faith that these can be counted on in the future.(after healthcare reform pisses off the US debt buyers)

OK Hypocrite: your turn.

If you love the Govt so much, why don't you let them:
-raise your kids
-own your house
-do your shopping
-cut your hair
-wipe your rear after you use the bathroom
-collect your paycheck
-pick which charities you donate to
-choose who you marry
and
-quit your job
-go work for the post office/DMV

Hyperbole as it was: I passed your hypocrisy test. How did you score?

Here's a better question: Which congruency with idealogy is more pathetic? I vote the child that needs the self-sufficient to carry his load.

Q:What does a democrat say when he looks at an infant in a stroller? A:"Where's mine?"

Right vote. I won't second guess his motive. Changes are badly needed for the system.

To Cao: Don't let Steele scare you with his bully talk. He's the most useless person in politics in charge of the most useless party in politics. You should come to the Dem side.

At least there's ONE smart Republican in this country!

So basically Obama bought Cao's vote by promising to "forgive" the disaster loans given to Louisiana. Nice. He fits right in with all of the other crooks.

GI Joe, you're dillusional. I lost my home on the MS Gulf Coast, which actually was hit by the hurricane, not flooded when Lake Ponchartrain breached the levees and flooded New Orleans, which is 65 miles INLAND from the Gulf of Mexico. The only freebies I heard about following any hurricane were the debit cards they gave to people from New Orleans who ran right out and bought new designer purses and TVs instead of using it to feed their families and find suitable housing. It's four years since the hurricane and there are still people from New Orleans living in housing being paid for by the federal government. I have no sympathy and the feeling sorry for yourself act is really, really old and tired.

Tammy, who do you think is going to pay for the coverage for the 40 million illegals and uninsured in this country? Money doesn't grow on trees. It has to come from somewhere. This government can't keep Social Security, Medicare, Food Stamps, Unemployment, the Post Office, the VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac solvent just to name a few. Now they think they can squeeze the working class to pay for what amounts to one-sixth of the economy of this country (which is already heavily mortgaged to China)? Only in lala land is this possible. Anytime the government releases cost projections for when they decide to step in and "fix" something in this country, their figures come up tens if not hundreds and even thousands of times short. The cost of $1.5 trillion for this plan is AFTER they make everyone pay for their own coverage (and the CBO has projected that the lowest cost non-group family coverage insurance under Pelosi's bill will cost $15,000 - the LOWEST cost plan in 2016 - so much for "affordable" health care) and tax the pharmaceutical companies, the medical supply companies, the businesses, small and large and tax the American consumer for years prior to the plan even being put into action.

This bil is not about making healthcare affordable or fixing the problems with our healthcare system, just like the stimulus was not about creating jobs but making paybacks for favors owed. Anyone who thinks otherwise is blind and needs to do some research.

The article states: "Cao, who hails from one of the most Democratic districts in the country, also asked the president for assurances that the administration would do more to help with ongoing disaster relief efforts in his New Orleans district, specifically by forgiving millions in disaster loans to the region." I am left wondering: How is it legal to buy votes with money? We thought lobbyists were a problem, get a load of this!

Rep. Cao sets a stinging example for Republicans who care more about furthering their selfish self-serving party-line agendas than as Finch says "the necessity of statemanship this country so sorely needs from both its parties." Congratulations Rep. Cao for standing up to the thugs who want nothing more than to hurt this country under the guise of the Republican Party.

I am one that benefits from public services....but I also pay a lot of taxes. Why can't we learn from the painful lesson that europe already learned? They are moving away from socialism, while we are headed right for it. We always hear about how much money the insurance companies and how they're evil, why don't we ever hear complaints about how much trial lawyers make? Take a guess, they're in washington. If you think lawyers and politicians can solve our problem better than american entreprenuer, then you're just as blind as washington. People need to WORK, not sit there with the hands out asking for freebie's.

Michael Steele is irrelevant. I remember him as Lt. Governor here in Maryland, and he and Gov. Erlich were ONE-TERMERS for a reason:

They ran as moderates but catered to the right-wing, which is exactly what Steele is doing now as head of the RNC.

With just 20% of Americans now calling themselves Republicans, it won't be long before Steele and his fellow wing-nuts fade into oblivion, which is where they belong.

John, don't bet on that. He is in just as much trouble as most of the Demorats in the House. We, our kids, and our grandkids can not afford this boondockle.

What Rep. Cao (R) did was a heroic. Against all odd, he did his best judgement to fulfill and to respond to his district constituents. That is exactly what politicians are supposed to be elected to do for their people, not for their gimmick fame & seats. Pathetics are a bunch of narrow-minded Republicans (and conservative Dems-alike) who were afraid to vote YES as much as they were afraid to loose their seats on the next upcoming election. Trust me, Rep. Cao will retain his seat not because he was afraid of Mr. Steele's warning but because he knows, understands, and responds to the need of his very own consituents. Thumb up, Rep. Cao.

Majority rules, you had 6-8 years of GOP "leadership", now we'll try it our way. You said 'sour grapes to us' when we didn't get our way with Bush, but wow, the GOP/tea party reaction is priceless. It doesn't feel so good when the shoe's on the other foot, does it?

By the way, the original tea party protested taxation without representation. You have representation, it's just that the majority of the people's representatives disagree with your representatives. Boo hoo!

Louisiana is such a tard state they deserve the lame ass economy they have;

Keep living under sea level and see how that works for ya

This man has guts, integrity and class- unlike the rest of his party. Thank you Mr. Cao!

Cao will be voted out anyway in 2010, he isn't black.....

He tried to pander to the free cheese crowd, but it won't matter he is a goner..

It's a shame more Republicans didn't vote for this plan. Most Republicans are Pro-Life. Health care saves lives, so universal health care is being Pro-Life. Republicans who vote against extending health care to those who can't now afford it are costing lives and being Anti-Life.

Love reading the posts of under-informed Repubs crying in their beers. This is how we felt when your boys cooked up a war and used tax dollars to fund it. Oh yeah, and thousands of Americans lost their lives with your tax-payer gouging. Hypocrites.

Good for Cao but shame on dems for buckling on funding abortion;

If men could get pregnant; the gop would make abortion a sacrament

Rep Cao is a hero and a true statesman. The rest of his party could learn a lesson! And President Obama is a true leader–committed to his non partisan pledge to reach over the aisle. Rep Cao seems to be the only one listening. America doesn't deserve the ignorant and hateful rhetoric spewed by many of the Republicans–inciting hate and speaking of "revolution" (e.g. Rep Bachman). Thank you Rep Cao!

Working class people will be paying a lot more in taxes for this health bill.

If GOP keeps at it, the Dems may get yet another Congressman with a "D" after his name instead of an "R," and his constituents, who are largely Democratic, won't even punish him for it. I suggest a trade: Stupak for Cao. I would also be amiable to Kucinich for Cao! And, while we are trading, how about Lieberman for Snow!

Cao, exactly what percent of your district lives off welfare? 80, 90, 100? Healthcare reform is needed, but not free healthcare funded by a shrinking base of taxpayers so that a growing base of welfare-addicted deadbeats continue to get a free ride.

If you really want to make a difference, change the laws that prohibit healthcare providers who receive federal money from asking if a patient is here illegally. We should only provide emergency, stabilizing medical attention and then deport them. Then, end all punitive awards on civil lawsuits (healthcare and every other industry). Bloodsucking lawyers who get one-third of the award are the only ones who benefit.

Then, perhaps you can explain to your district why 8 of the 10 most prescribed medications are made in factories in Puerto Rico. Then you can explain why we pay 10 or 20 times as much to fund free medicine for Africa.

Then you can explain why we continue to erode social security, giving it to everyone but the worker who pays in. Why is an elderly immigrant who never paid in eligible for social security?

Then you can explain why we continue to fund welfare babies, most of whom are just a paycheck for a deadbeat mother and who have no chance in life other than drifting into gangs and crime.

If you really want to do something for your district, cut off the neo-slavery called welfare and put those people back to work in jobs vacated by the illegals you will deport. Let them be self-sufficient. Empower them to succeed instead of getting free checks every week.

Remember in Louisiana and the county that Cao is from is pro-democrat. It was the right move and know that these "rebels" that oppose health care reform amount to puppets and tools of the insurance companies. Heck your not even being paid for your ranting.....then why do it. "Fools"

To everyone attacking this guy, saying he "sold his soul" or "peddled his butt to the highest bidder"; how many of those "nay" votes are receiving big checks from health insurance and pharmaceutical companies? Open your eyes.

I'm glad the bill passed, but it doesn't go far enough. Profit should be removed altogether from healthcare. That would be the moral thing to do.

The anti-abortion constraints are unconstitutional and will not survive its first legal case challenge. All the Reps/Sens know this, but they have to include the provision in the legislation to appease the evangelicals. They can make the Supreme Court look like the 'bad guys', since they aren't subject to re-election.

The whole thing is a joke anyway, because the legislation is simply about creating a new market for the insurance industry rather than improving health care. There aren't enough GP physicians to cover the insured, let alone the uninsured, and this vacuous legislation will have no impact on that.

Health care reform has been needed for decades for all kinds of reasons. Will this be perfect? No. But a beginning is necessary economically and for humane reasons. When the AMA and AARP announce they're behind it – you can be sure it'll pass.

I wish all politicians would put the people first before the party and their political career. Rep Cao is just doing what is best for the people who voted for him. The RNC did not put him in Washington; it was the people in his district. The Rep is nota sell out like some of my old Republicans claiming. The Republican party is the sell out to the Dixie Crats that have been a pain in the ars for the party. The Republicans need to remember what the party was all about...the Republic, not conservative trying to take our rights to be free to be as we wish. I don't like a party that is telling me how I should live my life with God...that is unamerican to force your ways on me.

Michael Steele is a right-wing puppet. I remember him as Lt. Governor here in Maryland - he and former Governor Erlich were ONE TERMERS for a good reason:

Ttey ran as moderates but catered to the right-wing, which is exactly what he's doing now as the head of the RNC.

With just 20% of Americans now identifying themselves as Repubs, I'm sure Steele will soon fade into oblivion where he and rest of the wing-nut fringe belongs.

We spend or will spend well over 3 TRILLION dollars on (2) totally unnecessary wars... and both the Dems and the party of NO have such huge problems with passing a 1 TRILLION dollar Health Reform Bill that would benefit ALL Americans by providing better Health Care [for ALL] and create jobs as well... What's wrong with this picture?

I am proposing a bill that would sell the Vatican and take away the TAX EXEMPT STATUS for ALL RELIGIONS: IF you want to PLAY around in politics, then you have to PAY!

We need lots more that stand for what they believe in rather than kowtow to Party Politics.
There are many more that would have voted Yea if it were known. The "I'm a member of this and that" party which is not what the people want from them.

Finally, a Republican who thinks for himself. Thank you Representative Cao. And thank you President Obama for trying to make certain that all Americans have access to health care.

Wow! A congressional representative who focuses on the needs of his constituents more than the desires of his party? I'm a Democrat, but I'd vote for him because that is the single most important principle ALL politicians should be following FIRST!

How is this even remotely slanted against Obama, may I ask?

He doesnt have to worry about people voting him out of office because he represents a majority of democrats. It's high time that republicans started serving the peoples needs in thier communities instead of worrying about how to spin everything so they can get back in power where the REAL money is.

Lone vote came after the democrats got the 218 they needed. This vote was not relevant. The gentleman voted after democrats were cheering when they reached 218. Had he voted in the first 5 mns when the votes were counting I would think of him being bona fide. However, voting after you see the bill is passed anyway does not make sense. He just voted this way to avoid political trouble for reelection in a district which is 70%+ democrat. That just a selfish political calculation to manipulate his electorate. NONSENSE!

Wow! A Republican who fears his constituents more then he fears Rush Limbaugh. This is one for the record books.

we don't care what the GOP thinks, just shut up

This goes to show that not all republicans only look out for businesses. Thank you Rep Joseph Cao!!!! Make sure you look behind your back because your Republican friends are crooks, liars and thieves. The republicans will do anything to stab you in the back. With that being said thank you, and thank you Mr. President for your hard work and determination.

Cao is from New Orleans, a heavily Democratic area. He won't be voted out, you can bet on that.

Teabaggers dont live in that district in any real #s, so they'll have nothing to say about it.

Ha!

Cnn you are pathetic.Do the republicans write all your stories for you. This network is so slanted towards the retard republicans its sad. You are always looking for a negative slant against OBAMA with every story.

Are all of the complainers about this bill really that well off? How are they covering their and their families' health needs? What are their insurance costs? Is everything covered, or do they have pre-existing conditions (like breathing) that result in no coverage?

I am glad this bill is pass because past 4 moths Fox was big nuisance

Time for Fox to get over it

Watch this guy's career – after his voters boot his rear out of office in 2010, he'll get a nice, cushy job – probably with EEOC.

Filthy traitor – peddled your butt to the highest bidder, eh?

I think Louisiana needs some help from our Govt. The Wealthy republicans ignored them after Katrina because New Orleans is mostly black and Democrat.

The republicans in Florida all get big screen TVs after a hurricane, but not New Orleans (D). There's a problem still lingering, even tho Mr Haliburton and his puppet (W) are no longer in office.

Give some federal aid to the poor, black, democrats. The wealthy white republicans don't need it – they get from insurance companies that denied claims.

It takes courage to stand up for your beliefs in life and go against the grain. Any fool can follow the presiding whims of his/her group. Congratulations Sir.

Sounds like he sold his soul to the devil. Payment on that will be painful and never ending.

How can it be legal for the president to promise to give millions of dollars in disaster relief money only if he gets a swing vote how can anyone legitamize buying a vote with the forgivence of a debt next thing you might hear is the president offering pardons to senators family members who might be in prison if they vote his way or to get a family member out of the military if they vote his way. Abuse of power!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rep. Cao is looking out for the PEOPLE–that is what our elected members of Congress are SUPPOSED TO DO! I hope Repubs AND Dems can learn from this man.

The one lone gop vote was keeping America and want did the Pres. give up to make this Deal?

I think Representative Cao's district would respect him for doing the right thing for their interests rather than "hold the party line."

It is about time some of these elected left the sand box behind and tried to live up to the necessity of statemanship this country so sorely needs from both its parties.

So what "pork' did Obama promise you for your vote Congressman Cao?........soon to be ex-Congressman Cao.

To all of the right-wingers who are so anti-govt:

If you benefit from the post office, police and fire depts, public schools and universities, the military, medicare, social security, or hold govt. jobs or receive govt. pensions:

Start walking your talk, and give up all of these services now.

Thank you so much President Obama!!!