Bishop statement on health insurance reform

Statement on the House floor regarding landmark health insurance legislation vote:

Tonight, I voted with a majority of the House of Representatives to pass legislation that will end an unacceptable status quo and ensure all Americans have access to the health care they deserve. Before my vote, I was proud to give this statement on the floor of the House:

“Over the course of this long and passionate debate, amidst the angry and at times even hateful rhetoric, amidst the misinformation and scare tactics, there exists one simple, immutable truth, and that truth is that the current system is unsustainable.

It threatens to bankrupt the federal government, and every other level of government, and it is bankrupting businesses, families, and individuals. Those who stand in the way of reform are protecting this system. To do nothing is to ensure a future of ever escalating rates, slashed benefits, and most tragically, illness and disease that go untreated.

The bill before us is not perfect; no reasonable person would say it is. But it does enable us to begin to take action on the most pressing issues that affect the hard working families we represent. 

In my district alone, 24,000 uninsured individuals will get coverage, 97,000 families will receive tax credits to defray the cost of coverage, 20,000 businesses will receive tax credits to provide their employees with coverage, and 49,000 young adults will be able to remain on their parents’ policies. 

Who wouldn’t want our friends and neighbors, our fellow citizens, to gain the access to quality, affordable health care this bill provides? This bill deserves our support and I strongly encourage my colleagues to support it.”