WASHINGTON – Four of the five House members, all Democrats, who represent portions of the Hudson Valley voted for the healthcare reform bill that squeaked by on a 220 to 215 vote Saturday.

House Members Maurice Hinchey, Eliot Engel, Nita Lowey and John Hall all voted for it, but Scott Murphy, the newest member who was elected in a special vote earlier this year, voted against it.

“During these difficult economic times, an unacceptably high price tag will stress our already overstretched federal budget, place even more burdens on our hard working individuals, families and small businesses. We need to fix the system now, not put off the hard choices for another generation,” he said. “Furthermore, I am deeply frustrated by the last minute addition of over $50 billion taxes on the two largest private employers in the 20th District, medical device manufacturers and paper mills.”

Murphy said the bill makes a number of important reforms, which he supports, including the elimination of the lifetime caps on insurance benefits and the pre-existing condition exclusive, invests in prevention and primary care, creates health insurance exchange to force insurance companies to compete and offers a public option for people who want to get away from for-profit insurance companies.