Washington State Lawmakers Play Key Role In Passing Health Care Reform

Washington State Lawmakers played a big role in getting the health care bill passed in the house.

Washington Congressman Brian Baird Originally voted no on health care reform, but, today switched to a yes.

He posted this statement on his website.

"Providing health care is not a political issue for me, it was my chosen profession, it is something I feel deeply about, and it is a service to which I have dedicated much of my life.Weighing the concerns against the benefits of the legislation, and considering that the status quo is unsustainable, I will vote for the legislation."

He and Congressman Adam Smith were targets of last minute campaigns to vote no. But, Smith also didn't sway voting with his party. He said: "I support this legislation because it is the best available step forward for reform. With health care costs ever increasing, we need leadership on these tough issues."

But, not all Washington Representatives supported health care reform. Prior to the vote Republican Congressman Dave Reichert spoke out against it.

"We need to start over. And, today I stand with Americans who want the freedom to choose their own health care," said Reichert.

Q13 Fox News spoke with Congressman Reichert by phone after the House vote and he said people in his district should expect their taxes to go up.

"It's going to mean higher taxes, taxes on dividends, taxes on small businesses, taxes on families, taxes on medical devices," said Reichert.

Washington Congressman Jay Inslee gave a passionate speech on the House Floor to convince his colleagues that health care reform was the right solution for Americans.

"We know a nation is truly healthy only when all of its citizens have health care. Today, we will have choice. Today, we will have health care. Today, we are forming a more perfect union in the tradition of this great country," said Inslee.

The Washington contingent of lawmakers voted along party lines, all Republicans voted no, the Democrats yes.

Now, that health care reform is moving forward local voters that Q13 Fox News talked with had plenty to say about what it will mean for them.

"I don't feel like that the health care bill passing is great victory for the American People."

"It just needed to happen it's really expensive we don't have the best health care in the world."

"Passing doesn't mean anything. If it does something then we'll see. Depends on what it does to my taxes."

"With the health care reform, Americans getting healthcare this will bring us up to par with the rest of the world."

Several Washington Lawmakers are up for reelection this fall and how they voted on health care reform will become a big campaign talking point. Republicans believe Democrats passage of the health care bill will help them regain seats in the house.