Merkley: Senate Takes Historic Step Towards Reforming Health Care

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Washington, DC – The United States Senate today voted to begin to debate legislation to finally reform our broken health care system.  Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley voted to proceed to the debate and issued the following statement:

“This debate is far from over, but we have now come further than any congress in a generation in completing the difficult task of fixing health care.  I look forward to continuing to fight for reforms that will make health care more accessible and affordable for all Americans.  And I hope that my colleagues who opposed even having a full discussion about this issue will realize how important it is that the Senate debate health care reform.

 

“The health care system is no longer working for working Americans.  Too many are without insurance; too many others fear they will lose coverage when they need it most.  Health care costs are bankrupting families and hampering business growth.  We must act now to contain costs, expand access to coverage and reform the insurance industry practices that have made even those with insurance fearful as to what will happen should they become ill or injured.”