国际英语新闻:U.S. House passes gov't spending bill defunding ObamaCare

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives on Friday approved a stopgap spending bill that strips out funding for President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law, setting the stage for a showdown with Senate Democrats that may push the government to a shutdown.

The legislation was approved on a party line vote of 230-189. The short-term measure, referred to as the continuing resolution, would fund the government through Dec. 15 at current funding levels while prohibiting funding to implement the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly called Obamacare.

The bill will now move to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where the Democrats would for certain restore the Obamacare funding before sending it back to the House for passage by Sept. 30 in order to prevent government shutdowns the following day.

The White House has also warned that Obama would veto any GOP proposal that eliminates funding for the healthcare law.

If Congress can't pass a funding bill by Oct. 1 for the new fiscal year, the government will face a shutdown.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said, "We've said from the beginning that this law (Obamacare) will harm economy, and we're seeing our economy turn from a full-time job economy into a part- time job economy."

"That's why we are doing our job, and now it is up to Senate Democrats to show some responsibility and follow the House's lead, " he said after the voting.

House Speaker John Boehner said, "Our message to the United States Senate is simple: the American people don't want the government shutdown, and they don't want Obamacare."

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi criticized the bill as a clear attempt by the Republicans to cause a government shutdown.

"What is brought to the floor today is without a doubt ... a measure designed to shut down government," she said. "It could have no other intent. It's purpose is clear."