About an hour ago, the House of Representatives passed HR 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which brings us one step closer to health care reform.
After the vote, the Connecticut delegation issued a series of releases:
Congressman Joe Courtney:
This evening, the House of Representatives took an historic step in the right direction for our nation's health care system by passing H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. After nearly a year, and after many hearings, town hall meetings, discussions with constituents, and conversations with health care professionals, I believe that the legislation passed is one that will improve access and quality of health care to all Americans.
After carefully reading the bill and its revisions, I believe H.R. 3962 reflects many of the ideas and suggestions I heard during the past ten months from my constituents. It is because of those changes that important and credible advocates for health care such as the AARP and the American Medical Association announced their new endorsements, and why I supported the reform.
As someone concerned about the financial state of our country, I am pleased that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has determined that H.R. 3692, as passed by the House today, will decrease the federal deficit over a ten year period. Again, this is important because these critical reforms will save our country and taxpayers money over time.
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro:
I am extraordinarily proud to have cast a vote today in favor of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "This historic legislation will finally bring about the meaningful, comprehensive health insurance reform American families have been waiting for.
When this bill becomes law, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, cut off people's plans when they are sick, or inflate premiums based on gender. Preventive, wellness, and maternity care will now be covered, the "donut hole" in Medicare coverage will be closed, and our deficit will be reduced by $129 billion. And along with the Health Insurance Exchange, a new public health insurance option will introduce real competition into the health insurance market and help reduce premiums across the board.
I am particularly proud that two transparency provisions I earlier introduced were included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act - menu labeling and unprecedented transparency in the insurance market. After this bill is enacted, consumers will now know upfront the caloric and dietary information of the food they eat outside the home, and they will be able to obtain the basic coverage facts of all health insurance policies before signing on the dotted line.
In short, I am very proud of what we accomplished for the American people today, and I look forward to working with our colleagues in the Senate on an equally good bill out of conference
Every night in this country, thousands of children go to sleep, sick in their bed because their mother couldn't afford to get them to the doctor. And every day, thousands more families file for bankruptcy, losing everything they own, because their loved one got sick and they couldn't afford the bills anymore. This is the most affluent, compassionate nation in the world, and it makes no sense that our health care system leaves so many behind. This bill starts the process of fixing it, for people in Connecticut and across the country.
Senator Chris Dodd
Today's historic vote is one more step for reform," said Dodd, "and another giant leap towards an America where everyone has access to quality, affordable health care. Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats have worked tirelessly and passed a strong bill. And I will fight to ensure that the Senate does its part. In the coming weeks, I expect a vigorous debate on the Senate floor. But the American people expect that, like the House, we in the Senate will finally deliver reform that cuts costs, protects patient choice, guarantees every American stable, affordable, quality care - and includes a strong public option.
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