Mass. governor applauds health care bill passage

BOSTON -- Governor Deval Patrick praised the Senate for passing the health care reform bill.

“I just want to congratulate the United State Senate on today’s historic vote on health care reform. We are very excited to have proven to be a model here in Massachusetts for the whole nation,” said Gov. Patrick.

The late Senator Ted Kennedy was also remembered at the vote.

The moment brought tears to the eyes of Kennedy’s widow, Vicki, who celebrated the vote with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

In a Christmas Eve session Thursday morning, the Senate voted to pass the $871 billion health care overhaul.

The legislation would extend health coverage to 30 million uninsured Americans.

The Senate bill must now been reconciled with the version approved by the House of Representatives.

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