Americans Will Have Healthcare

Obama says that in Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage.

President Barack Obama early this morning White House Photo, Chuck Kennedy, 12/24/09

(WASHINGTON D.C.) - The dawn of Christmas Eve brought an early present to Americans this holiday season; after a bitter fight, the legislation to bring healthcare to all residents of this nation passed the Senate.

Now President Barack Obama has a stage to continue compromise talks with the House on a bill that will lower the number of the uninsured Americans, while regulating and directing insurance companies.

It all came down only a day after a promised and highly touted fillibuster by Republicans was defeated.

The sides predictably voted along party lines, and it was enough to tip the scales in favor of Pres. Obama's plan.

The President said in all of the back and forth, "It's easy to lose sight of what this incredible breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if they get sick."

"There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising."

He says that as politicians finish the job, Americans are indeed seeing real change.

"We will have beaten back the special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since Medicare in the 1960s."

Obama says that in Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage.

"Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing our small businesses will be brought under control."

He continued, "When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every state."

The President acknowledges that there is still plenty of work to be done before he can sign reform into law; a last round of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House are still ahead, and he hopes for more support from Americans, elected and otherwise.

"But for now, I hope that as you celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful to you."

Americans who want to thank their legislators for passing the Healthcare Reform legislation, can visit this address: my.democrats.org/SenateLetter