Today, the Senate has taken a historic step forward in finally reforming our broken health care system. This has not been an easy process, but the result is comprehensive reforms that make insurance more affordable, puts Medicare on a more stable foundation and cuts the deficit. I am hopeful that minority opposition will not derail this legislation.

 

It will reduce premiums for the vast share of Americans, especially those employed by small business and farmers and ranchers. I am particularly pleased the bill reauthorizes vital health programs under the Indian Health Service, and I am proud to represent one of the five frontier states that will receive increased Medicare payments. The largest senior organization in the US, the AARP, and the largest medical organization, the American Medical Association, support moving this bill forward. It finally makes gains in closing the ‘doughnut hole’ for seniors. It also provides health coverage for almost all Americans, even those with pre-existing conditions.

 

This bill is not perfect, although no bill is; nor is this bill one that I would have written myself. But after decades of being the only industrialized democracy on earth without some form of national health coverage, this is a huge step forward. After passage of this bill, we will see some potentially difficult negotiations with the House on the final terms of health reform. But I'm convinced when all is said and done the new legislation will be light years ahead of where we are now.