House approves bill to continue existing insurance for those unable to enroll in Obamacare

In a 261-157 vote on Friday, the U.S. House approved the measure to allow insurers to continue policies for their existing customers, and offer policies to new customers, for another year. The insurance plans will not have to meet the new federal guidelines either. President Obama threatened to veto the bill and many Democrats were against it, however 39 did vote in favor of it.

Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., believes that the Republicans do not have the best interest of national healthcare in mind. “Once again this Republican majority is trying to put insurers back in the drivers seat,” she said. “This majority has never been interested in fixing our broken (health care) system.” Democrats who supported Obama’s original proposal — to allow existing customers to extend their policies through the next year – now feel that by letting new customers purchase the insurance plans, the intent of the Affordable Care Act is being disregarded.

However, Republicans are fighting back, saying that Obama had promised that Americans would be able to keep their health insurance if they desired. “We knew this is a promise he could not keep, and now we know that it is a promise he has broken,” said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.