The passage of the largest U. S. health care reform legislation, since the creation of Medicare in 1965, delighted East Bay members of Congress.

George Miller, D-Martinez, Chairman of one of the three House committees, said that it is going to be an enormous progress, as the companies and economists have been feeling for a long time that the current system is shaky, whether it is related to companies, families or small businesses.

Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, who leads the Congressional Black Committee, compared the bill to the Civil Rights Act and opined that, this is likely to bring some integrity and fairness to a health care system that is wrecked.

John Garamendi, D-Walnut Grove, who was elected to his seat in a unique election just seven months ago, was similarly excited. He said that, although this does not seem to match what he had been expecting, but somehow to create a more perfect union, which is an ongoing process, he cannot let the ideal become the foe of the good.

Miller said that now people will see the benefits that this bill is going give them, which is going to be at its maximum.