Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel spoke with thousands of his constituents on Wednesday, August 19, to discuss the ongoing health care debate. This was following a series of personal appearances in the 17th Congressional District to discuss with people, and allay their fears, over what health care reform will truly mean for them. For those who were unable to take part in the tele-town hall, an audio recording can be found on his official website – http://engel.house.gov/index.html.

“It was enlightening to hear directly from the people in the Bronx, Rockland and Westchester Counties about health care, and how it will affect them and their families. There has been so much misinformation by opponents of any reform to the system, that many people were scared or simply just confused. However, the vast majority of the people I have spoken with, acknowledge the need to change the current system, and were grateful to learn more about President Obama and Congress' plans to improve our health care system." said Rep. Engel.

Rep. Engel added, “We wanted to avoid having disruptions to the vital health care discussions which have happened to many Members of Congress across the country. Proponents of the status quo have purposely shouted down the debate, and tried to prevent constituents from asking valid questions of their elected officials. As far as I am concerned, the debate itself is paramount, and providing useful information to residents is a priority. It is for that reason that I chose not to provide a forum for those who merely wish to scream rather than to have a productive discussion."

During the tele-town hall, and at his various public appearances, Rep. Engel was asked a wide array of questions about the House health reform bill. Questions ranged from those who said it didn’t go far enough, to those who simply oppose changing what they currently have. “I was pleased to be able to explain some of the components of the legislation, and to dispel some of the myths regarding lost coverage, illegal immigrants and the so-called ‘death panels.’ Once people hear that most of these points were just scare tactics, they have their fears put to rest,” said Rep. Engel.

The health plan that Congress and President Obama are working on will:
• Ensure every child in America is covered with the health care they need to grow up strong and healthy.
• Prevents coverage from being denied because of pre-existing conditions, age, or gender, ending a system where profits come before people, and millions go without vital health care.
• Invest in prevention and wellness to help Americans live longer and healthier lives. Today, we have a disease-care system, not a healthcare system, one which doesn’t take advantage of the huge medical advances in preventive care.
• Ensure doctors and nurses get the information they need to provide the best individualized care.
• Prevents having to make a life or job decision based solely on keeping your health coverage.
• Prevents families from suffering financial catastrophe because of health care costs.

“Most importantly, if you have coverage you like, you will be able to keep it. By keeping insurance costs in check, your premiums will stop skyrocketing past the rate of inflation. By covering the 47 million uninsured, we will cut down on the costs associated with treating them in emergency rooms. The bottom line is that we cannot afford to continue with the status quo. Regardless of what the insurance companies are saying through their screaming surrogates, the system is simply unsustainable,” said Rep. Engel.

The 11-term Congressman added, “For those interested in the bill text or the latest summary of the House Health reform bill, I encourage you to go to my new and improved website: http://engel.house.gov/. You will find the information in the left hand corner.”

The database of numbers called was based on records from the New York Board of Elections. In addition, over 40,000 emails were sent to inform residents about the upcoming call, with a request sent asking people to supply their number to supplement the Board of Elections’ list. Simultaneously, a recorded call announcing the event went out to residents. Anyone who called Rep. Engel’s four offices to discuss health care, and was willing to leave their information, was added to the call. During the event, over 11,000 households were left messages giving them a special email address so they could write to Rep. Engel about their health care concerns, as well as directions to visit his website. Throughout the call, 2,447 households participated in the discussion.

“I am pleased to have continued my practice of listening to my constituents on the important issues facing the Congress. I look forward to continuing our dialogue on the health reform debate in the coming weeks and months,” said Rep. Engel.