New Dem Statement on President Obama's Health Reform Address

Washington, DC - Today, leaders of the New Democrat Coalition issued the following statement in advance of President Obama's address to the Joint Session of Congress on Health Reform:

"Tonight, President Obama is taking an important step toward achieving meaningful health reform by addressing the House and Senate. The New Dems applaud the work of President Obama, House Leadership, and the Tri-Committees for their dedication to strengthening health care in America. We are committed to working collaboratively to enact comprehensive health reform legislation that lowers the cost of health care, provides stability for American families and businesses, and improves the quality of care.

"We have spent the past month engaged in important conversations with our constituents, hearing firsthand the daily challenges Americans are facing with our current health system. We know that our current health care system is not working well enough for families and businesses alike. American families are struggling to afford growing health care costs, pre-existing conditions are keeping some from accessing insurance coverage altogether, and small businesses cannot afford to provide quality insurance to their employees.

"New Dems understand the need to address the challenges Americans are facing and provide stable, affordable coverage for American families and businesses, incentivize quality care and bend the cost curve to avoid continued growth in health care costs. The New Dems are dedicated to working constructively with President Obama and House Leadership to achieve these goals."

Statement supported by New Democrat Coalition Leadership Members Representative Joseph Crowley (NY-07), Representative Melissa Bean (IL-08), Representative Ron Kind (WI-03), Representative Allyson Schwartz (PA-13), and Representative Adam Smith (WA-09).

The New Democrat Coalition is composed of members committed to enacting policies that empower the U.S. to grow economically, maintain its competitiveness in the global marketplace, continue as the world's leader in innovation and technological advancement, and strengthen economic and national security. The Coalition is dedicated to providing the leadership necessary to implement policies that will ensure that America maintains its prosperity and global leadership. For more information, visit the New Dems website at http://ndc.crowley.house.gov.

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