U.S. House of Representatives Passes Affordable Health Care for America Act

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

“Last night’s vote in the House of Representatives to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act was a victory for all California families and an historic milestone on the road to meaningful health care reform.

“The entire California Democratic delegation stood with working families to vote for reform despite months of intense pressure and millions of dollars from the insurance industry and right-wing zealots to preserve the status quo. The California votes propelled the House to victory, putting us closer to health care reform than we’ve been in a half-century. These representatives showed courage in the face adversity, siding with the millions of California families who have inadequate health coverage, no coverage at all or can’t afford the skyrocketing costs of care.
 

“We thank Speaker Pelosi for her leadership and each and every member of the California delegation who supported this critical reform, which would cover 96 percent of California’s 6 million uninsured, control costs and improve coverage for all families. They did what our elected representatives should do – they acted in the best interests of the families in their district by honoring their commitment to stand with the middle class. Our state’s Republican representatives should be ashamed for caving to pressure from insurance CEOs. Their votes against reform reveal whose side they’re really on.
 

“While last night’s victory was an important milestone, the battle for comprehensive health reform is far from over. California’s working families will stand with our Democratic representatives and continue to be on the front lines in the fight for reform until the job is finished.”
 

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