WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Democratic-controlled House has passed historic health care legislation to provide medical coverage to millions of more Americans. The legislation, which would require large employers to cover their employees, passed on a 220-215 vote. Only one Republican voted for it.

Minority Republicans catalogued their criticism of the nearly 2,000-page, $1.2 trillion measure. Georgia Congressman Paul Broun said, "The American people need to understand this is about a government takeover of the whole health care system."

Shortly before beginning its vote on a Democratic plan, the chamber voted 258-176 against a GOP version that would have lowered costs for people with insurance but done little or nothing to expand coverage to those without any.

Outnumbered Republicans knew the chamber would reject their measure, but advanced it to present their vision of how the health
system should be reshaped.

The GOP relied largely on loosening regulations on private insurers to reduce costs for the insured by as much as 10 percent. Congressional budget analysts said the plan would make no dent in the ranks of the uninsured.

The House voted to prohibit coverage of abortions. The 240-194 vote was a blow to liberals who would let the Obama administration decide whether to cover abortions in a government-provided insurance plan. Sixty-four Democrats joined 176 Republicans in favor of the prohibition.

The amendment also prevents private insurers from covering abortions for anyone getting federal subsidies to help pay their premiums.

The legislation would require most Americans to carry insurance and provide federal subsidies to those who otherwise could not afford it. Large companies would have to offer coverage to their employees. Both consumers and companies would be slapped with penalties if they defy the government's mandates.

After debate began on the House floor, House Democrats held a private meeting with President Barack Obama. Speaking in the White House Rose Garden afterward, the president said: "This is our moment to deliver."

The vote clears the way for the Senate to take it up.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid says his chamber is "energized" after the pivotal vote, saying lawmakers "stand closer than ever to" overhauling health care.

President Barack Obama says he expects the Senate to act in the next few weeks and send him a bill before ringing in the New Year. He says he's "absolutely confident" the Senate will follow the House's lead.

WEST VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS REACT TO LEGISLATION:

U.S. Representative Shelley Moore-Capito sent out a news-release that she is joining a Bipartisan House Coalition to Oppose the plan.

“I have long-said that West Virginians deserve meaningful health care reform, but this bill is not the bipartisan consensus-building legislation that my constituents have asked for,” said Capito.

Congressman Nick Rahall said in a news release “I voted to bring an end to those fears and to bring an end to the moment when a diagnosis becomes a death sentence for those without health insurance.”

The American Association of Retired Persons also reacted to the vote in a news release:

“We applaud Congressmen Rahall and Mollohan for their support of this crucial legislation,” said AARP-West Virginia State Director Gaylene Miller.

“This bill will help millions of older Americans get the health coverage they need, while strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations. We look forward to working with these lawmakers to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act this year.”