Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising the House of Representative's Historic Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising the
House of Representative's Historic Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform

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."

SOURCE Democratic National Committee

DNC Press, +1-202-863-8148