Press Release
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For Immediate Release |
Contact: (202) 225-3965 |
| Crowley Statement on the President Obama’s Joint Address to Congress on National Health Care Reform |
| Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) released the following statement applauding President Obama for his address today of a joint session of Congress regarding national health care reform: “The message tonight from President Obama is crystal clear: the time for action is now. The U.S. health care system is broken and real reform is needed to bring down the skyrocketing cost of health care that is burdening American families and businesses. By ensuring access to preventive care for all Americans who lack health insurance, we will reduce the burden of cost on us all. These reforms will stop patients without health care coverage, including thousands across the Bronx and Queens, from turning to the emergency room for their primary care and, instead, reserve hospitals as medical options of last resort. “Opponents of health care reform have wasted precious time this year by waging a national campaign of misinformation rather than engaging in genuine negotiation. Their attempts to poison the legislative process with inaccuracies and false rumors about Democratic proposals for health care reform will not stand. “This August, I heard many compelling, personal stories from hundreds of my constituents from across Queens and the Bronx. My constituents want the government to act now to lower the cost of insurance coverage for families and businesses, to improve access to high-quality care, and to provide consumers with choices while allowing those who like their current coverage to keep it. I believe that a public health option is the best proposal on the table right now to ensure competition, choice and coverage, and I will continue to be a strong advocate for it. “I applaud President Obama for his continued efforts to bring together those interested in moving health care reform forward and I will continue to work with him and Democratic Leadership to finalize a health reform package that addresses the real health care needs of the American people.” Congressman Crowley is member of the exclusive House Committee on Ways and Means, which has significant jurisdiction over health care reform. ### |