By a vote of 383-41, the House on Tuesday easily overrode President Bush’s veto of legislation to delay an impending cut in Medicare physician payments by 18 months.

Democrats picked up more votes this time around; the bill passed the House last month by a vote of 355-59.

Blasting Bush’s “misguided veto,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said he has been “pleased to see so many Republicans lining up with us.”

“Our message to the president was unambiguous … When it comes to protecting and preserving the health care they depend on, we will put aside party politics, and we will stand together,” said Hoyer.

Thanks to the support of Republicans, “this bill for our seniors will become law, with the president’s signature or not,” said the Majority Leader.