Udall Statement on Historic Vote to Pass Health Care Reform

Statement

Udall: Senate Health Care Bill is a Solid Foundation that Provides Coloradans Greater Health Care Security, Helps America Return to Economic Prosperity

Today, U.S. Senator Mark Udall released the following statement after joining his Senate colleagues in passing landmark health reform legislation, The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:

"Before I cast this vote I was thinking of the families and small business owners I have talked to from across the state, who have shared their stories and described their need for a more stable and cost effective health care system. They told me they wanted legislation that would guarantee insurance companies will keep their promises to their consumers. And they told me they are concerned about the impact rising health care costs have on our national debt and about the strength of Medicare for the long-term.

"The bill is far from perfect, and it doesn't include everything I would like. But it is a solid foundation that will give families the security they need to stay healthy, provide entrepreneurs the freedom to start a business, and begin to rein in health care costs and get control of our skyrocketing debt. And I am particularly pleased that this bill contains provisions I proposed to encourage innovation and ensure that health reform doesn't leave rural America behind.

"While Senate passage of this bill is a major milestone in the journey toward meaningful health insurance reform, there is still work to be done in a conference committee with the House. I will spend the coming weeks fighting to ensure that the final legislation keeps faith with the people of Colorado."

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