For far too long, Americans have had to go to sleep each night worrying about the health of their families, whether they could afford the care they need and what decisions their insurance company would make about medical treatment for their loved ones. Tough economic times have made the problems worse. It is critical that we pass comprehensive health care reform now.

America’s workers thank Senator Kennedy, Senator Dodd and all the members of the HELP Committee for their hard work on these issues. Nothing is more important to the well being of families and nothing is more important to the long term economic health of our country. The strong draft of the Americans Health Choices Act that the Committee made public this week demonstrates their commitment to comprehensive reform and the kind of leadership and energy the country needs to finally win quality, affordable health care for all.

The Americans Health Choices Act will give Americans the freedom to choose to maintain their current insurance or pick a public health care option that will increase competition in the market and lower costs. It also includes comprehensive reform of the way health care is provided that would significantly improve the quality and efficiency of care -- and constrain costs – by empowering doctors, other health care workers, consumers and purchasers to work together toward innovative changes. We look forward to working together with Congress in a bipartisan manner to pass the comprehensive health care reform that is desperately needed by working families.

Contact – Eddie Vale – 202-637-5018