WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Kathy Dahlkemper, D-3rd, said via a conference call today she is pleased to have voted for what she called a "whole life" health care reform bill that will not allow federal money to be used to fund abortions.

Dahlkemper said she is confident an executive order on abortion President Obama will write will stand up in court. However, she did say she and other anti-abortion Democrats will continue to work during the next four years to make the bill's abortion amendment a federal statute.

After considering the bill, Dahlkemper determined the bill was the best for her constituents and voted for it.

Because the bill passed the House Sunday night, 20,000 uninsured individuals in the 3rd District will have insurance, Dahlkemper said.

The bill allows 51,000 young adults in the 3rd District to stay on their parents' insurance until the age of 27 if need be, Dahlkemper said.

The bill is expected to create a $130 billion reduction in deficit over 10 years, and will save the United States $1 trillion in health care costs over 20 years, according to Dahlkemper.

"It was a historic vote and night I'll always remember," Dahlkemper said. "I am honored to be down here (in Washington) serving the people of the 3rd District."