By a vote of 220 to 215, the House of Representatives passed health care legislation that would end the practice of denying health insurance based on pre-existing conditions, mandate individual health care coverage, enact a public option, set up a health care exchange for insurers to compete in, and provide subsidies for those who have trouble affording health insurance. However, an amendment pushed by Michigan’s own Bart Stupak (D) would prevent abortion coverage from being in the public option and bar people from recieving abortion coverage if they recieve federal subsidies. Women could “elect” to pay for abortion coverage out of their own pockets by purchasing additional coverage (every other unexpected medical procedure is still covered). Still, this represents an enourmous victory for one of the bill’s main proponents, our very own John Dingell.

One of the more interesting votes came from our most recently Democratic district, NY-23. As you may recall, Sarah Palin and Co. torpedoed moderate Dede Scozzafava and championed out-of-towner Doug Hoffmann, who didn’t give a rat’s ass about local issues, but was a conservative, dammit. In the ensuing election, Democrat Bill Owens won the seat just in time for him to cast a yea vote last night. Without Owen’s guaranteed vote, it’s quite likely the vote wouldn’t have taken place while Pelosi continued to whip up more votes. I never thought I’d say this, but I am greatful that Sarah Palin decided she did enough harm to America by spreading “death panel” lies and instead helped us pass historic legislation. You go, Sarah!