The United States House of Representatives has voted in favour of President Barack Obama’s new health care system by 220 votes to 215.

Healthcare reform is the most important item on the president’s domestic policy agenda, and the vote represents a crucial victory. Mr Obama described it as historic.

The bill now has to be approved by the Senate. Mr Obama said he was “absolutely confident” the Senate would also back the draft legislation. He hopes to have the new health care system in place by the end of the year.

As expected, the Republicans voted against the bill. They criticise the high cost of the reforms and the new taxes for the rich they entail. They also object to government interference in the private health care sector. Almost 40 Democrats also voted against the plans for the same reasons.

If the legislation goes through, nearly every American will be insured against medical expenses. The debate in the Senate is expected to start within a few days.