Washington, D.C. -— At 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2009, the chairmen of the three House panels with jurisdiction over health care reform unveiled their discussion draft for national health care reform in the House of Representatives.
Congressman Bob Etheridge, the only North Carolina Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, has been involved in the development of legislation to reduce health care costs, protect and increase consumers’ choices, and guarantee access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans. The House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Labor Committees worked together to develop a single health care reform bill. The following is Rep. Etheridge’s statement:
“Millions of Americans and especially the citizens of North Carolina’s Second Congressional District want Congress to find solutions to the obstacles families face in obtaining health care coverage. This legislation is an important first step to reduce health care costs, protect and increase consumers’ choices, and guarantee access to quality, affordable health care for all Americans.
“This bill is only a draft, and I look forward to continuing my dialogue with the people of the Second District to improve their health care. In the coming days and weeks I will work hard to ensure that we shape a plan which reflects North Carolina values, makes coverage more affordable to everyone, gets long-term costs under control and preserves patient choice. If you like your health plan and your doctor–you can keep them. It’s that simple. ”