Seven Major Organizations Urge Senate To Stop A Health Reform Filibuster

Main Category: Health Insurance / Medical Insurance
Article Date: 23 Nov 2009 - 3:00 PST

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On the eve of a key vote this Saturday about health insurance reform, seven major national organizations today sent a joint letter to all Senators urging them "to vote against any filibuster that would prevent the health insurance debate from moving forward."

The signatory organizations are AARP, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, the American Diabetes Association, Consumers Union, Families USA, the National Partnership for Women & Families, and the Service Employees International Union.

In his explanation of the letter, Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA, stated: "Senators will have two choices tomorrow: Either vote to allow a debate to consider and strengthen health reform legislation or vote to obstruct such consideration.

"We have spent the last 100 years following the latter course-and, as a result, health coverage and care is increasingly unaffordable for America's families and businesses. It is high time that we fix this problem, so we urge Senators to move the process forward."

NOTE: A copy of the letter follows

Dear Senator:

America's families and businesses need meaningful health insurance reform that makes health coverage and care affordable, that allows people to keep their health coverage if they lose or switch jobs, that makes medicines affordable to seniors, and that enables small businesses to cover their workers at a reasonable cost.

America needs a health care system that guarantees all Americans access to quality care, that eliminates pre-existing condition exclusions, that does not allow people to be charged more for coverage based on their health status, and that works harder to prevent disease and detect it early.

We urge the Senate to move the process forward. Specifically, we urge all Senators to vote against any filibuster that would prevent the health insurance reform debate from moving forward.

Sincerely,

AARP
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
American Diabetes Association
Consumers Union
Families USA
National Partnership for Women & Families
Service Employees International Union

Source
Families USA