HISTORY

Obama Signs Health Care Into Law

Democrats chant “Fired up, ready to go.”

In a jubilant White House ceremony Tuesday morning, President Obama signed his health-care reform bill into law amid standing ovations from supporters. "Today, after almost a century of trial. Today, after over a year of debate. Today, after all the votes have been tallied, health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America," he said. Acknowledging that some House Democrats face uphill reelection fights for voting yes, one congressman shouted “Yes, we did.” Obama also added: "It's easy to succumb to the sense of cynicism about what's possible in this country, but today we're asserting that essential truth... that we are not a nation that scales back its aspirations." The president also thanked Speaker Pelosi, and Majority Leader Reid for their help.