Larson Responds to Obama Speech on Health Care Reform

Washington, DC – Congressman John B.  Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, released the following statement following President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.

“Tonight, President Obama drew a bright line between those who want to reform our broken health care system, provide stability and security to all Americans and lower the health care costs that are breaking the backs of American families and small businesses – and those who don’t.  Inaction is not an option.  If we do nothing, more Americans will face bankruptcy because a loved one gets sick.  More Americans will lose their coverage when they need it most or be denied coverage because they have diabetes, heart disease, cancer or another pre-existing condition.  Health care costs will continue to rise at untenable rates.  And, insured families will continue to carry the financial burden of health care for the uninsured.

“The President underscored what I heard from so many of my constituents and spoke to at forums and meetings across my district.  We have a unique opportunity right now to form an American plan – one that combines our science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, with the commonweal notion of helping one another out, which is what makes the American character so great.

“Congress has worked hard to pass a health care reform bill out of three committees that meets the goals the President and this country have laid out for us.  Tonight the President helped to move the process forward to find unity and a path ahead on health care reform.

“With the great entrepreneurial spirit of this nation and resolution of this Congress, I am confident that we will pass, and the President will sign, health care reform legislation.”