3月23日，在美國首都華盛頓白宮，美國總統奧巴馬簽署醫療保險改革法案，美國民主黨人努力多年的全面醫改目標終于將實現。

Obama signs landmark healthcare bill

U.S. President Barack Obama has signed the country's sweeping healthcare reform legislation.

The 938-billion-US-dollar health care overhaul will bring the most profound changes to the nation's social security system in more than four decades.

Tuesday's signing was more than celebration.

It capped a year-long struggle to pass the historic legislation that will help define Barack Obama's presidency.

Barack Obama, U.S. President, said, "Today, after almost a century of trying, today, after over a year of debate, today, after all the votes have been tallied, health insurance reform becomes law in the United States of America."

The healthcare legislation was narrowly approved by the House on Sunday.

The Republicans pledged that Democrats would be punished in this fall's elections for approving the legislation over deep public skepticism.

But with the major accomplishment in hand, Obama is now able to counter critics who suggested he has little to show for his 14 months in office.

Barack Obama, U.S. President, said, "Once this reform is implemented, health insurance exchanges will be created, a competitive marketplace where uninsured people and small businesses will finally be able to purchase affordable quality insurance."

The overhaul will extend health coverage to 32 million uninsured Americans.

It will also expand the government health plan for the poor, impose new taxes on the wealthy, and bar insurance practices like refusing coverage for people with pre-existing medical conditions.

However, it's not an end to Obama's healthcare overhaul efforts, as he still needs to convince the public the measure will do them more good than bad.