Washington, DC--Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) issued the following statement after receiving an invitation to the White House bill signing for comprehensive health reform, passed by the House on March 21. President Obama invited several Members of Congress to witness the signing, including Rep. Engel, a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health. Rep. Engel was instrumental in ensuring specific changes in the reconciliation bill to provide fair and equitable treatment to New York and other “do-gooder” states.

“I want to thank President Obama for inviting me to be a part of this monumental day in American history. Our nation has waited decades for comprehensive health care reform, which has finally been delivered thanks to the Democratic Congressional Majority and President Obama. I am proud to have played a part in making this legislation become a reality, and to have fought hard for the alterations currently before the Senate to make the bill even better for New Yorkers. Once the President adds his signature, millions of Americans will be able to obtain health insurance, millions of seniors will begin to see closure of the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole, and adults under the age of 26 will be eligible for coverage under their parents’ plans.

“I was proud to cast my vote in favor of reform, am thankful for the kind words of praise given me by Speaker Nancy Pelosi afterwards, and anxious to join my colleagues and the President in making health care reform a reality.”

The signing ceremony will take place on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 11:15 am at the White House.