Washington, D.C.–(ENEWSPF)–November 22, 2009. Service Employees International Union’s (SEIU) President Andy Stern released the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s release of its Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
“Tonight our Senators voted to give the American people the debate on health insurance reform we deserve. Our Senators said no to Washington gridlock; no to obstructionism; and yes to progress for working Americans who are being crushed by a broken healthcare system that costs too much and covers too few.
“Majority Leader Reid and the Democratic caucus showed true leadership tonight. By recognizing that America wins when Congress debates and takes action, the Senators must now take the next step and cast their votes for meaningful health insurance reform. Reform that means people have a choice of care they can afford. Reform that ends the stranglehold insurance companies have on our healthcare system.
“Hardworking women and men all around this country are counting on all of our Senators – Democratic and Republican – to stand up to the insurance companies and their billion dollar profits. The American people are asking all our Senators to step forward and deliver health insurance reform that will save lives, livelihoods, and our country’s economic stability.
“The obstructionism we saw today as Republican Senators sought to kill the bill by spending hour after hour spreading half-truths and misinformation must not continue in the coming weeks. It’s time for our Senators to complete a civilized, honest debate that never forgets families like Loretta Johnson’s who spends everyday at the bedside but goes without insurance. Families like Cathy Stoddart’s who was forced into bankruptcy because of her son’s medical bills. And, families like Pat DeJong’s who lost her family’s ranch when their bills stacked up. It’s time to tell Loretta, Cathy, and Pat yes. It’s time to say yes to our families, businesses, and the future of our country. It’s time to say yes to health insurance reform. It’s time.
Source: seiu.org
