WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and SportsDemocrats in the Two Virginias split on health care bill
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Over the weekend the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed the health care bill.
Monday, Rep. Rahall referred to the bill's passage as historic and said it was a true victory for the American people.
"We will provide affordable, accessible and quality health care to Americans that have not had such in the past. For those that like what they have, they'll be able to keep it, they should be happy with this bill as well, because it will prevent their being cut off in the future due to preexisting conditions," said Rahall.
The Senate now has to vote on its version of the bill, which is not expected until at least December. Meanwhile, Virginia Rep. Rick Boucher separated from his party to vote no to healthcare legislation.
Democrats Glenn Nye and Boucher voted with the state's five republican representatives in opposing the bill.
Virginia's four other democrats backed the legislation.
Boucher says he hopes eventually Congress will reach a compromise he can support.
