Let's finish the job on healthcare reform (Rep. Bobby Rush)

From the days of my youth as a civil rights activist in the 1960s, I have spoken truth to power in many political corridors throughout this nation.  Tonight, as a senior Member of congress, I cast my vote for H.R. 3962 because it goes a long way toward eliminating many of the inequities in our nation’s health care system that I’ve fought against all my life. 

Chief among them is the denial of coverage to people, literally, because they are sick or because of what private insurers refer to as a “pre-existing condition.” My vote, tonight, is a vote for the health care needs of every American citizen, regardless of their ability to pay.

As this bill advances to the next stage of the legislative process it does so with the inclusion of several amendments I authored including an expanded discount drug benefit, under the Medicaid 340B Program (H.R. 444), and school grants that support innovative programs that will inspire the next generation of young people to pursue careers in math, science and nutrition, an initiative designed to address our nation’s medical professional shortage.

I also support this bill because, once it becomes law, my collaborative care network amendment will provide immediate assistance for the uninsured and the most vulnerable patients who will still be left out after this reform.  My hope and prayer is that this bill will continue to advance quickly because every day of delay is one day too many for the uninsured. My vote, tonight, was for them.