Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz delivered the following speech today on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today on why passing health care reform is so important for the American people. In the 13^th Congressional District, the health care reform bill will improve coverage for 443,000 residents, provide tax credits and other assistance to 135,000 families and 15,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage, and improve Medicare for 115,000 beneficiaries. 

Schwartz’s floor speech follows below.

“Families across our nation understand deeply and personally that the status quo in health care is not working. And, they have called upon us - through millions of supportive calls, emails, and messages to Congress- to pass a uniquely American solution to ensure that all Americans have access to meaningful, affordable health coverage.  And that is what this Congress is committed to.

“Health reform means:

·         Common-sense consumer protections like prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions, a provision that was supported with bipartisan, unanimous support in the Budget Committee yesterday.

·         Affordable, private health coverage choices for individuals and small businesses;

·         Strengthened Medicare for our seniors;

·         Improved quality and efficiency in health care services;

·         Containment of rapidly rising costs of health care - a challenge that faces all us, as taxpayers and as purchasers of health care and health coverage.

“Our plan builds on America's public-private system. And it is not only paid for, but reduces the federal deficit by $100 billion.

“Passing health care reform benefits all of us: families, seniors, businesses, and our nation.  

“The status quo is unacceptable.  Now is the time to act.”

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