Today Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) announced his support for H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. He released the following statement:

“I am proud to have cast a historic vote today to overhaul America’s failing healthcare system to improve the healthcare of all Americans. This bill prohibits exclusions based on preexisting conditions and ensures American families will no longer be one illness or job loss away from bankruptcy. It also protects America’s senior citizens by fixing the donut hole sooner and allowing more drug price-negotiation to ensure seniors are getting the best prices for their medication. For the first time in our nation’s history, we say that every American deserves access to affordable quality healthcare.

 I also believe that controlling escalating healthcare costs is essential to getting our nation’s fiscal picture under control. As a small business owner, and father of five, who has struggled to deal with rapidly increasing healthcare expenses, I am extremely sensitive to the cost of healthcare in this nation.

Over the past several months I have held more than 50 meetings with constituents, business and community leaders and healthcare professionals throughout my district. As a result of this input, H.R. 3962 is much improved over the original House bill that was introduced over the summer. It makes healthcare coverage more affordable to individuals and businesses as well as constraining costs much more than the original legislation.

 I have received assurance from House leadership and the Administration that additional cost containment measures will occur in the final conference agreement. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure the plan is more sustainable over the long-term. The status quo is not an option. I’m excited to have played a role today in moving this process forward and continuing to craft a plan that accomplishes our two main priorities: increasing the quality and accessibility of healthcare and reducing costs for Oregon families, small businesses and our nation as a whole.”