Rep. Eshoo's Statement on the Passage of Historic Healthcare Reform

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (D-Palo Alto), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement about today's vote on healthcare reform:

"More than a century has passed since Teddy Roosevelt first called for healthcare reform. Today we have finally kept our promise to the American people that they will have affordable health insurance which they cannot lose or have taken away from them if they become ill.

"The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world and the costs are crippling to our economy. This legislation will reduce the deficit by a whopping $143 billion over ten years and $1.2 trillion over twenty years, the single largest deficit reduction plan in 25 years. It will eliminate discriminatory insurance practices and it will open the insurance market to millions of Americans who have been priced-out.

"I believe that by voting for this legislation, I am standing on the right side of history. Our achievement is also a tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy. His unwavering commitment to decent healthcare for all Americans paved the way for this landmark legislation and today's historic vote."

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