The House of Representatives passed what many are calling the most sweeping health care legislation since the creation of Medicaid and Medicare almost half a century ago. The vote, 219-212 fell on strictly partisan lines. Republicans were unanimous in their opposition to the bill while 34 Democrats joined them.

The vote seemed to be in peril early in the day until Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) announced his support for the bill. Stupak voted against the House bill in November citing abortion language. Stupak and his bloc of pro-life Democrats reached  a deal with the White House around 4 p.m., essentially assuring the bill’s passage.

Following the 15 minute vote and a following vote on the reconciliation bill (a bill of House “fixes” to the Senate bill), President Barack Obama gave a short speech praising Congress.

“This is what change looks like,” Obama said. “We proved that this government — a government of the people and by the people — still works for the people.”

The President signed the bill into law around noon Tuesday.