Barack Obama and the House Democratic leadership know that, but they expect they have enough Democratic votes to pass health reform anyway. They don’t, though — not if the bill doesn’t include a public option. 60 House Democrats have now committed to vote against the bill if it doesn’t include a public option.
This is serious — we only have one chance to get health reform right, and we don’t want it to be just a giveaway to the insurance companies. We need serious reform that increases competition, reduces costs, and extends health care to as many people as possible. It’s going to be a slog, but the public option is absolutely essential.
Below the break, the letter these progressive Democrats sent to Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius:
August 17, 2009
The Honorable Kathleen Sebelius
Secretary, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20201Dear Secretary Sebelius,
We write to you concerning your recent comments about the public option in health insurance reform.
We stand in strong opposition to your statement that the public option is “not the essential element” of comprehensive reform. The opportunity to improve access to healthcare is a onetime opportunity. Americans deserve reform that is real-not smoke and mirrors. We cannot rely solely on the insurance companies’ good faith efforts to provide for our constituents. A robust public option is essential, if we are to ensure that all Americans can receive healthcare that is accessible, guaranteed and of high-quality.
To take the public option off the table would be a grave error; passage in the House of Representatives depends upon inclusion of it.
We have attached, for your review, a letter from 60 Members of Congress who are firm in their Position that any legislation that moves forward through both chambers, and into a final proposal for the President’s signature, MUST contain a public option.
Sincerely,
Raul Grijalva
Co-Chair
Congressional Progressive CaucusLynn Woolsey
Co-Chair
Congressional Progressive CaucusBarbara Lee
Co-Chair
Congressional Black Caucus
Good. Better no reform than pitching good money after bad, into the maw of big insura/pharma
I’m glad to see that someone in Washington is looking out for the citizens. President Obama seems to be doing a good job in difficult times but should prepare for a world of hurt if he concedes to much to the Insurance Companies, Blue Dogs and Republicans. I understand the importance of compromise, pragmatism and real poltik but this important to his constituency. Republicans have proven to be two faced and totally unreliable after being given concessions for their votes. Screw ‘em, not your fellow Democrats, well the Blue Dogs may need a come to Jesus talk.
I am all for bi-partisianship, compromise, etc etc, but why the hell are Republicans driving the debate.
Why do Republicans get to drive the discussion when they are out of power and in power. We voted in democratic majority. You would think that the Republicans are still in charge!
This is all very amusing.
“Only one chance to get it right.” Right.