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The Republican-controlled House has passed legislation letting US insurance companies sell individual coverage to all comers, even if it falls short of standards set in President Barack Obama's health care law.
The vote was 261-157, and came after Republican lawmakers said the bill would ease the plight of millions of consumers reeling from cancellation notices.
The White House threatened a veto if the measure eventually reaches Obama's desk. Democratic leaders worked furiously to minimise defections on the issue, while mindful it is likely to figure prominently in next year's elections with control of Congress at stake.
