Dem chairmen brief caucus on healthcare legislation

The chairmen of the three House committees sharing jurisdiction over healthcare reform briefed the Democratic caucus today on their preliminary legislation.

Click here to read the outline provided to the caucus today.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee; and Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, will each have a hand in shaping the legislation.

According to a committee release, the chairman focused on "reducing health care costs, protecting current coverage and preserving choice for patients to ensure affordable, quality care for all."

See the full statement, issued jointly by all three chairmen, after the jump.

"Our Committees are working as one to develop a uniquely-American solution to the health care crisis that is endangering the financial security of individuals and businesses. This solution will fulfill President Obama's commitment to provide quality, affordable health care for all. This framework will build upon what works by ensuring that patients can keep their health coverage if they like it, preserve patients' choice and reduce costs. We will also fix what is broken through marketplace reforms, sliding scale credits to make coverage more affordable, and provisions to combat waste, fraud and abuse, strengthen Medicare and Medicaid, and invest in the health care workforce and public health. By improving the current system and offering a public health insurance option to promote honest competition with private insurance plans, we will provide individuals and small businesses with better, more affordable choices.

"We will continue to seek input and work closely with our colleagues, outside stakeholders, and the Administration and are on track to introduce legislation shortly. We anticipate Committee action on health reform in the coming weeks, with legislation on the House Floor prior to the August district work period. Reforming America's health care system is critical to our country's long-term economic recovery and long-term fiscal health. We are confident that we will achieve reform that will give Americans peace of mind and return our great nation to a path of prosperity for generations to come."

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