We've never been closer to making historic breakthroughs in guaranteeing quality, affordable health care.  President Obama's leadership and the determination of working people have called the question.  We applaud the president for standing by his principles while reaching out to those on both sides of the aisle.  It is up to Congress not to blow it.  The president said it well—we cannot afford to wait.  Saying no is not an option. 

Each member of Congress must now decide:  Stand with the insurance companies or stand with the American people on health care.  There is no question the president's plan will give Americans the health care security they have lacked for so long. 

Most union members are fortunate to have health care coverage; many working people do not.  But whether we have insurance or not, we have no real security today, and we have no assurance of affording health care.  Even if we have health insurance today, it's the insurance companies who decide whether we get coverage or not and how much it costs.  We will not allow their greed to block reform any longer. 

As the president said, the best—and we believe only—way to break the stranglehold of the insurance companies, bring down costs and assure that everyone can get affordable health care is to include the choice of a quality public insurance option.  A public health insurance option is essential to genuine health care reform, and we applaud the commitment of the president to include it.  It is also essential that no fees be imposed on health coverage that will penalize the very people who are already struggling with out-of-control costs.

Reforming health care, reining in the power of insurance companies and providing health care to all is essential to a strong economy and healthy family budgets—and yes, to the character of our country.

We will be fighting alongside the president and congressional champions of health care reform until it is signed into law.              

Contact: Alison Omens (202) 341-7263