Correction appended

Although the Affordable Health Care for America Act passed by a five-vote margin in the House of Representatives on Saturday, Rep. Glenn Thomp-son, R-Pa., was one of the 215 legislators who voted against the health care reform bill.

Thompson said he didn't think the bill, which aims to mandate universal health coverage in the United States, addressed the right issues. Indeed, he thinks the bill will actually make the health care system and economy worse.

"I came to Washington to help address some of our health care problems and I believe that any changes should include better access, affordability, quality and patient choice," Thompson said in a press release. "As a health care professional for almost 30 years, as I read through this bill, my conclusion was that the ... bill actually made each of those things worse instead of better."

Thompson was not available for further comment by press time Monday.

The new bill gained momentum and passed after an amendment was added that prevented government funding from paying for abortions. Despite that amendment, Thompson still found a lot to disagree with, including the State Children's Health Insurance Program, which he said will jeopardize coverage and increase cost for many Pennsylvania children.

But local Democrats were anything but frustrated by the House's decision.

Jessica Pelliciotta, president of the Penn State College Democrats, said the bill is a great victory for the Obama administration in achieving its goal to reform health care and is a step in the right direction -- especially for recent college graduates struggling to find employment.

"This is so helpful, especially for us college students who aren't making a lot of money," Pelliciotta said. "We'll be able to have insurance or keep insurance -- especially in this economy, where we're not sure if we're going to get a job right our of school or not."

Pelliciotta said the College Democrats have been working tirelessly to gather support for the bill, and that isn't going to change now. In fact, she said, even more support is needed for the Senate to pass the controversial bill.

She said her organization plans on writing letters to senators and raising awareness about the issue among students on campus so they will take up the cause as well.

But some campus groups hope the bill fails in the Senate.

Penn State College Republicans Chairman Alex Smith said he doesn't think the bill addresses the right issues, even though he thinks the health care system is in need of reform.

He would like to see a new bill that addresses the problem with a narrower focus and less spending, as well as provisions that would eliminate some government mandates and discourage medical malpractice lawsuits.

"You have to find the people who don't have insurance currently and help them get insurance instead of mandating it," Smith said. He's pushing for the ability to purchase health insurance across state lines to keep prices competitive.

Pelliciotta said the public option's pitfalls and $1 trillion price tag are worth it if they help the millions of people who can't afford or don't have health insurance.

"It's about time. I want my government to provide me with the fundamental right to health care," she said. "I feel like people are forgetting this isn't just politics -- this is people's lives."

This article incorrectly stated information about the House of Representatives vote. The vote was 220-215, a five-vote difference.