Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

U.S. SENATOR Jeff Bingaman

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Contact Senator Bingaman's Office:

Jude McCartin
Maria Najera
703 Hart Building
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-5521

Bingaman Statement on the Release of Finance Committee Chairman's Health Care Proposal

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman issued the following statement in response to the health insurance reform proposal released today by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus:

"I am glad that we are taking another big step forward toward ensuring health care for all Americans.  While this is not a bipartisan proposal at this point, I think this bill meets many of the goals on which there is general agreement.

"For example, it allows people to keep the coverage they have, but with more stability and security in part because insurance companies would no longer be allowed to deny coverage to Americans for pre-existing medical conditions.  It expands coverage to those who do not have it, and it reduces the costs of health insurance for families and businesses.  And not only doesn't this bill add to the deficit, it also cuts health care costs in the long run, reducing the suffocating burden of health care costs on our economy projected for the future.

"That is not to say this bill is perfect.  For example, I believe it should have a public option, and I will support its inclusion when we vote on this bill in committee.  I also believe that we should make coverage even more affordable for working families.  On balance, though, the proposal moves the process ahead significantly, and I congratulate the chairman for his hard work and for his proposal."

Bingaman is a member of the Senate Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, which both have jurisdiction over health insurance reform.  He has been playing a major role in crafting health insurance reform legislation.