Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks after the United States Senate passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act this morning.  This marks the first time both Houses of Congress have passed comprehensive health reform legislation in the same session.  Congressman Dingell is the author of the House health reform bill passed on November 7, 220-215, and has introduced comprehensive health reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives every year since 1957.  Congressman Dingell was at the Senate for the vote, sitting in the gallery to witness this historic moment.

“This week, we learned the head of CIGNA will be paid $73.2 million dollars as he walks out the door from one of the nation’s largest health insurers.  This is the same CEO who laid-off 1,100 workers this year.  He is the same man who ran CIGNA when the company denied a 17-year-old girl a liver transplant that led to her death.  This case illustrates what is wrong with our nation’s health care system.  Our skilled doctors and nurses can work wonders, but bureaucracy, paperwork and greed too often get in between the healers and those in need of a miracle. 

“There are some real differences between the Senate and House bills that will need to be resolved.  Some of these differences are bigger than others.  As we seek to resolve these differences, I urge my colleagues to stay focused on the common aims of this effort and work to produce the best possible bill for the American people.

“I commend my colleagues in the Senate on achieving this historic milestone.  The journey is long, but the reward will be great.  Unlike any other time in our history, we have two strong pieces of comprehensive health reform legislation that promise to deliver much needed access and relief to the American people.  When President Obama signs a final, combined bill, we will be well on our way to fulfilling our longstanding moral obligation--providing quality, affordable coverage for every American. However, as is usually the case with any major overhaul, this is the first step in the process, not the last.”