Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats were joined by President Barack Obama this afternoon for a Democratic Caucus Meeting in the auditorium of the Capitol Visitor Center before tomorrow's vote on health insurance reform. Below are the Speaker's remarks:
"Thank you all very much.
"Thank you, John Larson. I receive your kind words on behalf of all of our courageous Members of the House of Representatives who want the best for the American people and what we can do that is best for them in the next 24 hours is to pass affordable, accessible health care for all Americans. [Applause.]
"The best for all Americans is to have 32 million more people to have health insurance in our country. The best for our country is to have $1.3 trillion in deficit reduction so that we're not heaping on mountains of debt. [Applause.] The best for our country is to hold the insurance companies accountable and not let them come between patients and their doctors. [Applause.]
"We are on the verge of making great history for the American people and in doing so, we will make great progress for them as well. The President has said over and over: 'We will measure our own success on the progress that has been made by America's working families.' That is our responsibility and we will honor it when we vote on health care reform.
"We would not be here, Mr. President, without the courage of my colleagues here. They have fought this fight; they have understood the issues; they have brought great exuberance to the debate. This will be about wellness and prevention and innovation, as well as reducing our deficit and making America healthier.