PRESIDENT OBAMA USHERS IN NEW PHASE IN HEALTH REFORM DEBATE

President Obama Ushers in New Phase in Health Reform Debate

Congress is ready to achieve reform to lower costs, restore peace of mind and improve access to care

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama's address to a Joint Session of Congress this evening on health reform:

"President Obama said what needed to be said at this crucial time, when we are so close to ensuring that every American has access to quality, affordable health care. The media would lead the American people to believe that the distortions of the recent town hall meetings had dampened the spirit of the Congress to move forward with the vigor necessary to pass health reform.

"President Obama did not speak to Congressional Democrats alone tonight; he spoke to the American people, outlining the critical need for a new approach to health care in America. His message of unity and progress could not have come at a better time.

"After weeks of distortions and distractions generated by partisan activists aimed at defeating health reform, President Obama gave a sobering reminder of why we are fighting to fix our health care system. We are fighting to put patients before insurance company profits so we can lower costs and provide greater choice to American families. We are fighting to restore economic peace of mind to those who have endured hardship and even bankruptcy as a result of the rising cost of health care. We are fighting to ensure that you can never be denied insurance coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

"When you talk to neighbors and friends, you realize how personal this health care crisis is. Everyone has a story about the pain involved with being uninsured, or under-insured and unable to afford the care you need. American families are hurting, struggling to regain security in the midst of a recession that has cost millions their jobs, their homes and their health insurance coverage. Tonight, President Obama pulled us together again. He reminded us that health insurance reform that controls costs is critical to our economic recovery and long-term fiscal health. He outlined in no uncertain terms the universal benefit of reforms that will make our workforce, children and fiscal outlook healthier than they are today.

"The American people understand that the status quo is unacceptable. Throughout the month of August, House Democrats held more than a thousand events, hearing viewpoints from across the political spectrum. While the news media has focused on controversy rather than consensus, public opinion still strongly favors reform and Congress has returned with a renewed energy and commitment to enacting comprehensive health insurance reform.

"By addressing the nation from the halls of the Congress, President Obama ushered in a new phase in the health reform debate. He again demonstrated his willingness to reach across the political aisle and seek bipartisan participation. Republicans in the House and Senate must now decide whether they want to engage in constructive conversation and offer concrete solutions or whether they prefer to continue to advance political distortions designed to scare the American public. President Obama has provided leadership and principles for reform and four of five Committees have produced legislation that meets those principles.

"The President more than compensated for any damage done by those who would just say 'no' to health insurance reform. Now it is time for Congress to pick up the pieces and move forward with the hope that some of our Republican friends will join this effort and help deliver a bill that puts affordable, high-quality coverage in reach for all Americans."

###

Matthew J. Beck

Communications Director and Policy Advisor

House Committee on Ways and Means, Majority Staff

1102 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

(202) 225-3526 (o)

(202) 225-2610 (f)