Statement on Senate Health Care Debate

12/17/2009

Consumers lost another round in Washington yesterday when the insurance industry and its allies in the U.S. Senate refused to allow discussion of the American Health Security Act of 2009 -- a proposal to cover all Americans at a lower cost than the other plans now under consideration.  The defeat capped a week of losses for American families, as the public option and other insurance reforms fell victim to industry pressure and Congressional cowardice.

Universal coverage wasn't the only casualty.  Someone in Colorado died yesterday -- and another person will die today, and tomorrow, and the next day -- because health insurance remains out of reach.  For millions of Americans, this debate is literally a matter of life or death.  

We took on the insurance industry in Colorado -- and we won.  We forced companies to pay what they owe when they owe it.  That's the kind of leadership we need in the U.S. Senate: the courage to stand up to powerful interest groups and to stick up for ordinary people.

What we find instead is a Senate seduced by special interests and coddled by corporate contributors.  Too many members on both sides of the aisle are unwilling to bite the hand that feeds them.  That's why so many Americans are losing their savings to medical expenses, losing confidence in our political system, and losing hope for real reform.  

My campaign does not accept donations from corporate interest groups.  When I am elected to the U.S. Senate, I will do what's right for my constituents -- rather than worry about what's profitable for my biggest contributors.  My loyalty to the people I represent will remain undivided.  That's a good prescription for every member of Congress.