Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15), lead sponsor of H.R. 3200, the “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009,” made the following comments last night after President Barack Obama’s remarks about health care reform:

“I applaud the President for going before the American people this evening and answering questions regarding health care reform. The President has provided terrific leadership on this front. He is a big part of the reason why we are closer to creating a uniquely American Solution to our health care crisis than at any time during my 53 years as a Member of the House.

“The President has played a prominent role in our ongoing discussions with our Democratic colleagues who have concerns with the bill, including some moderates and Blue Dog Democrats. I can say from sitting in on those talks that the President is willing to work with anyone who is sincere about health reform, as all Democrats clearly are. The discussions over the last couple of days have been productive, as the Blue Dogs Members and others continue to bring good ideas to the table. While we agree on the vast majority of issues before us, there are still some large matters to address and with the President and our Democratic Caucus working together, we are making H.R. 3200 a better bill.

“The Republicans have said this could be Obama’s Waterloo. They better go back and study history, because under President Obama’s leadership, we are making progress. I don’t think Napoleon could have said that during Waterloo.”