Fisher Statement on Senate Passage of Health Insurance Reform Bill

"Today's historic health care reform vote by the U.S. Senate is an important sign that we have the power to overcome the fierce opposition of the insurance companies and the status quo to put the health of the American people first.

It has been an arduous process with many compromises along the way, but by lowering premiums for American families, providing access to affordable health care for more than 30 million uninsured, and finally doing away with the discriminatory practices of insurance companies who have denied coverage to millions with preexisting conditions, this legislation lays a foundation to fundamentally reform and improve our health care system. Critically, the bill will lower the deficit and bring down costs, while helping small businesses who struggle to afford health care costs for their employees.

I thank Senator Sherrod Brown and other Senate leaders who have worked tirelessly to pass this vital legislation, and I urge Congress to quickly come together to forge a consensus bill that will pass both houses. May we finally bring an end to the days when families live in fear that one illness can send them into bankruptcy and foreclosure.