Speaker Nancy Pelosi delivered opening remarks this morning at a forum held by the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee that highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive health insurance reform. Below are the Speaker's remarks:
"Good morning. We come together in this historic moment for our country because we are closer than ever before in history to passing health insurance reform.
"I'd like to thank our three Chairmen who have led the way: Chairman George Miller, who is also the Co-Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee and the Chairman of Committee of Jurisdiction as Chairman of Education and Labor Committee; Chairman Henry Waxman, the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee; and Chairman Charlie Rangel, Chairman of Ways and Means Committee - three original committees of jurisdiction. I'd also like to commend Chairwoman Louise Slaughter of the Rules Committee, which will play a very important role now and bring these bills together with any amendments through the Rules Committee to take the bills to the floor. I want to thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, also a Co-Chair of the Steering and Policy Committee. She and Mr. Miller once again are bringing us together.
"We had a hearing of this kind on a recovery package, which is now demonstrating that it is reaping benefits for our country. We learned a lot at that hearing in January and we hope to be informed - I know we will - by our witnesses today. I want to thank all of them for coming, congratulate them on their leadership in the field of health and health insurance, and small business issues that relate to America's seniors.
"The President has called for his principles to be honored in legislation - legislation that provides affordable, quality, accessible health care to all Americans. We are determined in the legislation that what we are putting together will lower costs, improve quality, expand coverage, and make sure that people still have a choice of what they have now. If you like what you have, you may keep it. If you want to change it, you may, and if you don't have health insurance you will get it. This is essential, it is essential as an economic issue, and as a health issue, of course. The health and well being of America's families, the health and well-being of our country - a healthier America is our goal.