| Tonight, the House passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act – legislation that will make health care more affordable, accessible and secure for all Americans. The bill, which has the support of the AARP, the American Medical Association, and Consumers Union – will lower health care costs for families and small businesses, expand access to coverage for an additional 36 million Americans, enhance benefits and services for seniors, and include significant new protections that will benefit all health care consumers.  | Leader Hoyer joins Democratic Leadership, Chairmen,
and Members for a press conference following House
passage of the Affordable Health Care for America
Act. |
I am proud of what the House accomplished today, and it is my hope that the Senate will build upon the House’s momentum and work with us to ensure that health care reform is enacted into law.
Health reform is particularly important to us as we face an economic downturn that has cost many families their health insurance or forced employers to weaken health benefits. While job losses are continuing to improve from where they were a year ago, the unemployment numbers released this week by the Department of Labor for the month of October are far too high. On Friday, the President signed into law an extension of unemployment insurance benefits, which Congress passed this past week. This will provide direct relief to those who need it most, as well as stimulate the economy. In the weeks and months ahead, Congress will continue efforts to spur economic growth and get Americans back to work.
Next week, House Members will return to their Districts to be with their constituents as we observe Veterans Day. This is a time to reaffirm our support for every American service member, both the 25 million living veterans and those we have lost, who fought to protect our freedoms. The horrific outburst of violence at Fort Hood this week reminds us that the sacrifice and service of America’s veterans is considerable and constant, and we are eternally grateful for the patriotism of our troops and those who make the selfless and courageous decision to risk their lives in the service of our nation.
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