Barack Obama forced his bitterly fought healthcare reform bill through Congress, bringing near-universal coverage to Americans and delivering the first major triumph of his presidency. After days of manoeuvrings by the Democratic party leadership to bring dissident party legislators on board and an impassioned plea by Obama, the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, confirmed that the votes were in the bag. She said she would not have decided to take the bill to a vote unless the necessary 216 Democrats had been secured to push the move through. As it was, the bill was passed by 219 votes to 212.

With the signing of the new Healthcare Reform, what do you think will happen to the United States? Do you agree with Obama’s plan? Why or why not?