Obama hails healthcare vote as historic victory

US President Barack Obama on Sunday hailed the House of Representatives vote for his sweeping healthcare as a victory for the American people that answered the call of history. "Today's vote answers the prayers of every American who has hoped deeply for something to be done about a healthcare system that works for insurance companies but not for ordinary people," Obama told reporters.

He called the vote "another stone firmly laid in the foundation of the American dream" and said it would help people who lack insurance get access to coverage but would also help those who already have insurance. (Reuters)