Health insurance reform with best ideas of Democrats and Republicans, says Speaker Pelosi

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on President Obama's remarks at the White House on health insurance reform legislation, which combines the best ideas of Democrats and Republicans:

"The President's announcement is a call to action.  We will now move forward to pass health insurance reform that includes the best ideas of both Democrats and Republicans, and address one of the most pressing challenges facing our families and small businesses.

"President Obama made clear that there are key differences between our two parties: Democrats believe we must hold insurance companies accountable in order to rein in premiums, insure 30 million more Americans, and protect patients and consumers nationwide.  Congressional Republicans disagree.

"Improving health insurance reform must be based on a fundamental principle of our democratic system: a simple majority.  After passing health insurance reform in both chambers of Congress – with a super-majority in the Senate – it is now time for an up-or-down vote on the final improvements to the reform.  We will only use a simple majority to improve the legislation, through a process used to enact key pieces of health and budget legislation by both Democrats and Republicans in the past.

"Americans support reform that makes health insurance more affordable, ensures access for tens of millions more people, and brings accountability to the insurance industry.  Our families and businesses deserve reform that will create millions of jobs, strengthen Medicare, reduce our deficit, and no longer deny care or drop coverage to those who need it most.  We must act now."