Providing high-quality, affordable health care to all - and doing it responsibly so that we do not bankrupt our country - is the goal of mine, President Obama's, and most of the American public. I believe health care for every American is both a moral and fiscal imperative. If we do not act soon, millions of Americans will not have care and our entire federal budget will be consumed by health care costs.

On Saturday, November 7th, the House of Representatives made history when it passed H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  In an effort to keep health reform alive, I voted in favor of the bill.  Without passage of this House bill, the Senate could delay reform indefinitely. That would be the worst possible outcome because our current health-care system is not sustainable.

Passing legislation is a little like writing a term paper in school. The first draft is usually not very good. The second draft is better -- H.R. 3962 is the second draft. The bill that the Senate will vote on will be the third draft, which I expect to show major improvement. The final draft will be written next month when the House and the Senate vote on the same bill.

Congress needs to pass good health legislation in the next few months for the good of the country.  I will continue to work hard to make sure that the final legislation helps all of our families get quality, affordable health care.

Please review the resources below and contact my office if you have any questions.


Links and Additional Information

1. Frequently Asked Questions About Health Reform
- My answers to common questions, concerns and myths surrounding the debate.

2.  Where Can You Find Copies of the Bills?
- Click here for links to read the full text of all 5 bills. 

3. H.R. 1321: The Healthy Americans Act
- Recent quotes and additional information on the Wyden-Bennett bill