June 17, 2009
Baucus Statement Regarding Bipartisan Policy Center Health Care Reform Proposal
Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) issued the following comment regarding a health care reform proposal released today by Bipartisan Policy Center advisors and former Senators Howard Baker (R-TN), Tom Daschle (D-IA) and Bob Dole (R-KS). Baucus praised the bipartisan nature of the proposal, noting similarities to his own policy. From Baucus:
“This is a constructive, bipartisan proposal and I commend the work of my former colleagues. The proposal not only helps identify areas of clear agreement, it addresses critical reforms, such as tackling cost concerns and ensuring quality coverage while holding insurance companies’ feet to the fire. The BPC proposal also includes insurance exchanges to make it easier and less expensive for every American to purchase health insurance, and protects the idea of shared responsibility by employers, individuals and government – both of which are critical to comprehensive health reform. And perhaps most importantly, the plan shows us a bipartisan consensus is within reach as we move toward our end goal of ensuring affordable, accessible care for every American.”