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The Reasons That Matter Most
There are many reasons to fight for health reform — but for each of us, there is one reason that matters the most.
President Obama to House Democrats: “It is in your hands.”
On the eve of the House of Representatives’ vote on health reform, President Obama visited the Capitol, where he spoke about tomorrow’s unique opportunity for representatives to make history and deliver real change for the American people.The President quoted Abraham Lincoln in his closing argument:We are not bound to win, but we are bound to be true. We are not bound to succeed, but we are bound to let whatever light we have shine.We have been debating health care for decades.It now has been debated for a year.It is in your hands.It is time to pass health care reform for America, and I am confident that you are going to do it tomorrow.Thank you very much, House of Representatives. Let’s get this done.
House Democrats Announce Plan for Tomorrow’s Vote on Health Reform
Earlier this afternoon, House Democrats laid out the plan for tomorrow’s vote on health reform. There will be three votes in total: After voting on a resolution laying out terms for the debate, the House will vote on a package of amendments to the Senate health reform bill, and following that, will take up the Senate-passed bill itself. The votes will likely begin sometime after 2 p.m. tomorrow.The Washington Post has more details: [Rep. Chris Van Hollen], who has been working on the issue with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said House leaders concluded that that order — approving the amendments before approving the Senate bill — makes clear that the House intends to modify the Senate bill and not approve the Senate …
Reform Gains Momentum With More Votes in the ‘Yes’ Column
With the final vote expected tomorrow in the House of Representatives, health reform continues to pick up momentum as more members of Congress announce that they will vote ‘yes’ on the bill. Yesterday, Representatives Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Charles Wilson (D-OH), and Alan Boyd (D-FL) added their voices to the growing number of representatives supporting reform.Reuters reported on the gaining momentum:Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives lobbied undecided members for support and voiced growing confidence on Friday they will win a close vote on final passage of a sweeping healthcare overhaul.The House will vote on Sunday afternoon on President Barack Obama’s top domestic legislative priority, which picked up fresh momentum by winning four new converts after receiving a good report card from congressional …
Our Chance
From OFA Director Mitch Stewart:Tomorrow, we can extend coverage to millions. We can end insurance-company abuses forever. We can finally give Americans control over their own health care. But we can’t take anything for granted. The vote in the House could still go either way. It’s up to every American who believes in reform to call our representatives and speak up — right now. So, if you haven’t yet, please pick up the phone and call your representative. But don’t stop there. Make it your mission today to get 5 friends or neighbors to call, too. Email this link to your friends and family. Save the Congressional switchboard number — (202) 224-3121 — in …
If We Do Nothing: More Arbitrary and Massive Premium Increases
Thanks in part to the work of OFA supporters taking action and making their voices heard, we’re closer than we’ve ever been to passing historic health reform. But what happens if, as some want, we do nothing or fail to act on reform?If we turn back now, we’ll continue to see double-digit health insurance premium increases we’ve witnessed in recent months. A report by Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that "leading experts have predicted that, without reform, these increases will continue, and the federal government and most states don’t have the legal authority to block or reduce health insurance rate increases."According to the American Progress Action Fund, the insurance company WellPoint has implemented or …
Weekly Address: Time for Action on Financial Reform for the Economy
As a key committee in the Senate takes up reforming the ways of Wall Street, the President lays down a marker: “I urge those in the Senate who support these reforms to remain strong, to resist the pressure from those who would preserve the status quo, to stand up for their constituents and our country. And I promise to use every tool at my disposal to see these reforms enacted: to ensure that the bill I sign into law reflects not the special interests of Wall Street, but the best interests of the American people.”
President Obama’s Nowruz Message
In this video, President Obama sends an important message to those celebrating the Persian holiday of Nowruz, and in particular to the people and government of Iran. While recognizing our continuing differences with the Iranian government, the President outlines his commitment to a more just and hopeful future for all Iranians. To everyone celebrating Nowruz around the world, may you have a peaceful and prosperous new year.
This video is also available with Arabic subtitles. Full transcript available in English, Persian (PDF), and Arabic (PDF).
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