House OKs bipartisan Medicare doc bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — In uncommon bipartisan harmony, the House approved a $214 billion bill today permanently blocking physician Medicare cuts, moving Congress closer to resolving a problem that has plagued it for years.

The 392-37 House vote came on a package that bore victories for Republicans and Democrats alike. It immediately shifted the spotlight to the Senate, where its prospects have brightened as Democrats have muffled their criticism and President Barack Obama has embraced the bill.

With some conservatives also finding fault with the legislation, its Senate fate remained murky. But the House's lopsided vote also built pressure on senators to vote "yes."

The package was negotiated by House Speaker John Boehner and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who have spent most of the past few years clashing over legislation. It contains funds for health care programs for children and low-income people that Democrats touted as victories, while Republicans won a long-term strengthening of Medicare's finances, including cost increases for higher-income recipients.