 |
WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tonight the House of
Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, landmark
health reform legislation that will ensure every American has access to
quality, affordable, stable and secure health care coverage. The legislation,
which cracks down on some of the insurance industry's worst practices, would
extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion
over ten years. Groups representing doctors and farmers, seniors, consumers,
and cancer patients have endorsed the bill. It passed the House with only one
Republican vote in support of the measure.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGO )
"This day has been a long time coming. Teddy Roosevelt first called for
health reform nearly 100 years ago, but today -- in the face of furious
lobbying by the insurance industry and nearly unanimous opposition from
Republicans -- House Democrats accomplished something no other Congress has
been able to do: pass comprehensive health reform legislation. I want to thank
President Obama for his extraordinary leadership on this issue, and extend my
congratulations to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairmen Waxman,
Miller and Rangel, Congressman Clyburn and countless others in the U.S. House
of Representatives for taking this historic step.
"The Affordable Health Care for America Act will provide more security and
stability to people who already have insurance by enacting much needed reforms
to the insurance industry. No longer will an insurance company be able to deny
someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or cancel someone's
coverage when they get sick. The Act will provide more quality, affordable
choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will
bring down the high costs of care, for American families and businesses, while
lowering our deficit.
"This historic day would not have been possible without the tireless
efforts of Organizing for America (OFA) in rallying the public to see through
Republican scare-tactics and lies and energizing them behind the cause of our
generation -- meaningful health insurance reform. In total, more than 2 million
people participated in OFA's grassroots campaign for reform by signing pledges,
sharing their personal stories and hosting and attending one of the thousands
of local events in all 50 states and all 435 Congressional Districts. In the
final week of August and the first week of September alone over 110,000 people
attended a pro-reform event providing the necessary momentum that made possible
this monumental achievement.
"Americans from all walks of life have endorsed this legislation. The AARP
endorsed the bill because they believe it will reduce health care costs and
expand coverage for older Americans. The American Medical Association and the
American Nurses Association have lent their support because they believe it
will help to fix the problems in our broken system and strengthen the
doctor-patient relationship. The Consumers Union endorsed the bill because they
believe it will create a more secure, affordable health care system, and the
National Farmers' Union has given their support because it will help Americans
who live in rural areas access care.
"Despite the overwhelming support this legislation has received and
despite a strong mandate from the public for action, the Republicans have held
tight to their just-say-no approach, firmly rooting the GOP on the side of the
insurance lobby and the status quo that is breaking American families and small
businesses. It is evident from their obstructionism that the Republicans are
more interested in protecting their own reputations and political fortunes than
ensuring that our generation and generations to come have the best possible
access to health care. Unfortunately for the Republican Party, their misguided
and shameful campaign to kill health reform looks doomed to fail -- something
all Americans should be thankful for.
"Today, Congressional Democrats put opponents of reform on notice: the
status quo is unsustainable and inaction is not an option. This vote doesn't
mark the end of this process -- we still have a ways to go -- but it is a
critical milestone on the road to passing health insurance reform. The American
people want reform -- they need reform -- and Democrats will not rest until we
pass comprehensive health reform legislation."
Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080519/DNCLOGOhttp://photoarchive.ap.orgPRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Democratic National Committee
CONTACT: DNC Press, +1-202-863-8148
© PR Newswire, 2009 - 11/08/2009 09:13 AM
|
3.53