Statement on the Affordable Health Care Act

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., one of the principal authors of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, issued the following statement on Saturday as the U.S. House of Representatives debated the historic health reform bill in advance of a vote:

"The Affordable Health Care Act will mark history with real reforms in the successful tradition of Medicare, Social Security and the GI Bill. But more important than the history books are what the reforms will do for nearly every American.

"The plan will stop the insurance industry from denying care based on previous conditions, from cutting-off coverage when medical bills get too high and from discriminating against women or anyone else. It will make quality health care available to nearly everyone at affordable costs. It will help contain insurance premiums and help reduce medical expenses. It will help prevent illness and it will close the prescription drug 'donut hole' that costs seniors more than they can afford.

"It will protect families from falling into bankruptcy under the weight of medical bills. It will help remove the frustration and the fear of businesses and families unable to obtain or hold on to quality care. It will reduce the amount spent in the country for health care without adding a dime to the deficit.

"And it will help America live up to its promise and its ideals. We may be making history but we are doing it for our future."