HEALTH

Obama Signs Health Care Into Law, Declares ‘A New Season in America’Wednesday, March 24, 2010By Fred Lucas, Staff Writer

Washington (CNSNews.com) – The White House had the feel of a pep rally on Tuesday as House and Senate Democrats packed into the East Room for rousing ovations and chants before President Barack Obama signed the health care bill into law. Many lawmakers in attendance said that it was a historic day, and the president said the occasion marked “a new season in America.” When Obama and Vice President Joe Biden emerged, the Democrats began chanting “all fired up, ready to go,” reminiscent of the Obama campaign rallies in 2008. “History is made when a leader steps up, stays true to his values, and charts a fundamentally different course for the country,” Biden said. “History is made when a leader’s passion is matched with principle to set a new course. Well, ladies and gentlemen, Mr. President, you are that leader.” The vice president continued, “Our children and our grandchildren, they’re going to grow up knowing that a man named Barack Obama put the final girder in the framework for a social network in this country to provide the single most important element of what people need -- and that is access to good health. And that every American from this day forward will be treated with simple fairness and basic justice.” Television cameras and the microphones picked up Biden embracing Obama and saying, “This is a big f---ing deal.” After it was reported that the vice president used the F-word, that same day, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs Tweeted, “And yes, Mr. Vice President, you're right.” Democrats erupted in applause when Obama, celebrating the biggest legislative achievement of his presidency, came to the teleprompter. “It is fitting that Congress passed this historic legislation this week,” Obama said. “For as we mark the turning of spring, we also mark a new season in America. In a few moments, when I sign this bill, all of the overheated rhetoric over reform will finally confront the reality of reform.” The new $1-trillion law mandates that individuals purchase health insurance and that employers provide health insurance, or they will be penalized. It also establishes an exchange for consumers to choose from government-approved health insurance plans. The Internal Revenue Service is in charge of overseeing the mandates and collecting the financial penalties for non-compliance. Democrats say the new law will provide health coverage for 32 million uninsured Americans. The bill was signed into law over heavy public opposition. A CNN poll over the weekend showed 59 percent oppose the legislation.