The US House of Representatives today narrowly approved a landmark health care bill aimed at guaranteeing coverage to almost all Americans and placing new curbs on the insurance industry, giving a boost to President Barack Obama who made intense efforts to clinch the victory.<br/><br/>The Affordable Health Care for America Act was passed by a vote of 220-215, paving the way for it to be taken for debate in the 100-member Senate where it needs 60 votes for its passage.<br/><br/>The 10-year, trillion-dollar plan is aimed at extending health coverage to 36 million Americans who lack it now and preventing the insurance industry from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions and charging higher premiums.<br/><br/>In a statement, the President said the legislation will reduce long-term federal deficit and strengthen the financial health of Medicare, a publicly-funded health insurance system implemented 40 years ago.<br/>