A cheer from the Democratic side of the House has heralded the passage of sweeping health care overhaul legislation in the chamber, with a narrow 220-215 vote.

Republicans were nearly unanimous in rejecting the measure, which Michigan Rep. Candice Miller derided as a "jobs-killing, tax-hiking, deficit-exploding" bill.

The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance while providing subsidies to those who can't afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. And insurance companies would no longer be able to deny coverage based on pre-existing medical conditions or charge higher premiums based on gender or medical history.

President Barack Obama is praising the $1.2 trillion bill's passage, saying he expects the Senate to follow suit and looks forward to "signing it into law by the end of the year."

©2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.