Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On The Affordable Health Care For America Act
For Immediate Release
October 29, 2009
Contact: DNC Press 202-863-8148
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On The Affordable Health Care For America Act
Unveiling of Bill is Another Key Milestone in Passing
Health Insurance Reform this Year
WASHINGTON – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and other Democratic Congressional leaders unveiled their version of health insurance reform legislation: the Affordable Health Care for America Act. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would cost $894 billion over 10 years and extend insurance coverage to 36 million Americans. It is expected to cut the deficit by $30 billion in the first 10 years.
“Today, thanks to the outstanding work of Speaker Pelosi, Chairmen Waxman, Miller and Rangel and countless others in the U.S. House of Representatives, we have achieved another critical milestone on the road to passing health insurance reform this year.
“The Affordable Health Care for America Act achieves the goals set out by President Obama earlier this year. It will provide Americans with insurance with more security and stability by making critical reforms to the insurance industry -- insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage because of a pre-existing condition or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. This legislation will provide the uninsured more quality, affordable choices, extending coverage to 96 percent of all Americans. It also includes the choice of a public health insurance option, which is the best way to ensure choice and competition in the market. And it will bring down the skyrocketing costs of care without adding a dime to our deficits. The bill is fully paid for up front and it will actually cut the deficit by $30 billion in its first 10 years.
“There is still much work ahead, but today’s announcement is another testament to President Obama’s extraordinary leadership on this issue. Despite the millions upon millions spent by insurance industry lobbyists in an effort to kill reform and near unanimous opposition to reform by Congressional Republicans, Democrats have been undeterred in their efforts. We will continue to stand for the American people and finally pass health insurance reform this year.”
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