Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. US House of Representatives Approves Landmark Health Care Legislation VOA News 21 March 2010 Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to reporters after a House Democratic Caucus meeting, earlier in the day on Sunday, 21 March 2010 on Capitol Hill Photo: AP Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi speaks to reporters after a House Democratic Caucus meeting, earlier in the day on Sunday, 21 March 2010 on Capitol Hill The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system, with majority Democrats handing President Barack Obama a victory on his top domestic priority. The House approved a Senate-passed health care bill late Sunday by a vote of 219 to 212. Minority Republicans were unanimous in opposition, while 34 Democrats joined them in voting no. Two-hundred-sixteen votes were needed for passage. Supporters say the health care reform legislation will make health insurance available to 32 million Americans who do not have it. Critics say the changes will drive up health care costs and increase government intrusion into health care decisions. President Obama secured a majority for the bill by doing a deal with several Democrats who were concerned it would encourage abortions. Mr. Obama satisfied the group by issuing an executive order re-affirming restrictions on federal funding of the practice. The House also approved a separate bill of changes to the Senate-passed measure. The changes will be considered by the Senate under rules that require only a simple majority of the 100-seat assembly for passage. Democrats control 59 seats. President Obama is expected to sign the House-approved health care bill into law in the coming days. The Senate is expected to take a longer period to debate the changes approved by the House in the separate legislation. .