The headlines are ominous. "Large scale health care reform is dead," reads one newspaper. "Time for Democrats to cut their losses?" reads another. Even some bloggers are advocating for Congress to jettison health care, in favor of a scaled-back, incremental approach. But now is not the time for political cowardice. Americans crave real leadership in Washington, and the only path forward is with comprehensive health reform.

A comprehensive bill is the only way to fix the health care system - from expanding Medicare benefits and lowering health care costs, to improving rural care and home care services. As we explained earlier this week, a piecemeal approach isn't just inadequate, it's reckless.

Call Congress now at 1-866-311-3405 and follow the instructions to be connected to your U.S. Representative. Tell your member to pass a comprehensive health reform bill, that guarantees quality, affordable health coverage for all families. Report back on your call, here.

I've talked to some folks who say, "Oh, I know my Congressman supports reform. He voted for it last year, so I don't need to call." But they're misreading the situation. Some elected officials, including House members who voted for health reform last year, are considering backing away from comprehensive reform. That's why everyone must call Congress today.

Dial 1-866-311-3405 and talk to your Representative. Click here to report back on your call.

We can't stress enough how important your call is today. Tell Congress, enough hand-wringing. Let's finish the job, and finish it right.

By Jessica Kutch

Moments ago, the House gaveled in a vote on health care reform. The vote was 220 to 215, with only a single Republican brave enough to break with his party's blockade. Today, we conquered the special interests of "No We Can't," and won a victory for our country.

Click here to see how your Representative voted, and write them.

The day was not without drama, however. It began with a series of attempts by House Republicans to obstruct debate. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) shouted, "I OBJECT, I OBJECT, I OBJECT" while Democratic Congresswomen attempted to speak on gender discrimination by insurers. See the video

The day was also not without zany antics. Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) held up a baby, and pretended to speak as the baby on the House floor. (We're not kidding!) At many points during the debate, it seemed like we'd never reach a point where Congress would actually vote on health reform.

But we did it - you did it. You made thousands of phone calls to Congress, sent millions of emails and petition signatures, talked to neighbors, family members and friends about getting involved, and rallied in your communities. We couldn't have come this far without everyday Americans stepping forward, speaking out, and refusing to let the status quo remain in Washington.

Celebrate tonight the passage of H.R. 3962, "The Affordable Health Care for America Act," by thanking (or admonishing) your Representative for their vote on health insurance reform. We've come this far - and we're going the whole way.

For those of you who made whip calls this week - we are especially grateful. Our legislative team used your reporting to guide their strategy on calling various Congressional offices. Read a selection of great report-backs we used on Capitol Hill. There's no doubt that your calls helped convince key Democrats in Congress to vote for health care reform.

Stay with us in the weeks ahead, as we work to win votes in the U.S. Senate through our "adopt-a-state" campaign. Congratulations!

Employees of Forum Health are outraged today after learning of 52 layoffs announced by the hospital system, 22 of which are direct care providers represented by SEIU District 1199. While direct care positions are being eliminated, Forum Health continues to push through bankruptcy court their proposal to retain former CEO Walter "Buzz" Pishkur at a rate of $9,000 per week.

In response to the decisions made by Forum Health management, workers at Northside Hospital, Trumbull Memorial Hospital and Company 50 - the billing office - will hold a solidarity press conference tomorrow to address their concerns over the poor decisions made by hospital management.

After talks that continued until late into the night, Forum Health's Northside Medical Center and the 1,200 women and men represented by SEIU District 1199 reached a tentative agreement that will put the hospital on the path to financial stability and allow for employees to continue to deliver the five-star quality care the Mahoning Valley relies on.

Among the concessions agreed to at Northside Hospital were wage freezes, increased contributions to health insurance, and stopping 401k contributions made by the employer.

Bankruptcy hearings scheduled for Monday, July 27, 2009, have now been delayed pending ratification of the tentative agreement by Forum Health and the Union. The Board of Directors for Forum Health will vote later today on the agreement, and Northside employees will hold their vote on Friday from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm at MetroPlex. Full presentations of the tenative agreement will be held at 8am, Noon, 2pm and 8pm.