Dingell praises Finance Committee vote

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), a strong supporter of a public health insurance option, on Tuesday praised the Senate Finance Committee's vote to pass their bill, which does not contain a public plan.

Though Dingell said differences between House and Senate legislation would have to be worked out, he commended the panel for bringing "us much closer to making the comprehensive health insurance reform our nation desperately needs a reality."

Dingell reiterated his support for a public option, saying "there are important battles ahead, and those of us supporting a strong public option will have to continue our hard work."

"But we clearly have common ground from which we can build upon," he added.

While some liberal Democrats have criticized Baucus' plan for not doing enough to reduce costs, Dingell said all bills before Congress "create quality, affordable health care for tens of millions of Americans who right now have no coverage."

All versions of the legislation before the House contain a public option, while the Finance bill proposed by chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) contains non-profit health insurance co-ops, not a government-run plan.

Dingell, the longest-serving House member, has long favored healthcare reform and has been one of the only House Democrats to speak out on the Senate Finance Committee's vote to advance their bill.