NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Energy and Commerce
Rep. John D. Dingell, Chairman

Dingell Writes President-Elect Obama on Need for Healthcare Reform

Dingell to Obama: “Reform is essential for the health of our citizens and for the global competitiveness of our economy.”

Washington, D.C. – Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), the Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, yesterday wrote to President-elect Barack Obama urging swift action on healthcare reform. Dingell, who has advocated for universal healthcare throughout his 53-year career, highlighted the need to expand health coverage and indicated his strong desire to partner with the new Administration to achieve healthcare reform.

“I am eager to work with you to make this happen, and I appreciate that your transition team has been in contact with my staff to chart the path forward,” wrote Dingell.

Dingell also recommended a series of steps that should be pursued as part of an effort to repair America’s healthcare system. Recommendations included reauthorizing the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), encouraging great use of information technology, increasing competition in the insurance market, and improving the public health infrastructure.

Read the Letter » (pdf)