Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on President Obama’s health insurance reform proposal released today in advance of Thursday’s bipartisan meeting at the White House.  Congressman Dingell will be one of the participants in the meeting:
“I applaud President Obama for releasing a detailed health care proposal. Moving this bill over the finish line will take the leadership only a President can provide.  President Obama’s plan will bring great relief to the American people, both those with and without insurance. This plan will:

• Prevent insurance companies from unjustly raising insurance premiums, like we have seen in states across the country;
• stop abuses by insurance companies, such as denying people coverage for pre-existing conditions, and rescinding policies when people get sick; and,
• keep Medicare from going bankrupt in 7 years.

“We are closer to achieving comprehensive, affordable health care for all Americans then we ever have been. The President’s bill addresses some of the concerns over the Senate-passed version and includes some of the best ideas from our House-passed bill, including making health insurance affordable for low and middle class families and closing the donut hole for all seniors.  Failure is not an option.

“The President has worked hard to include provisions historically supported on both sides of the political spectrum, and he is reaching out with the hope of eliciting fresh ideas from our Republican colleagues.  I believe the best legislation is born from compromise and I am prepared to listen and discuss new proposals when the Republicans start discussing them.  We have a unique opportunity at the bipartisan health care meeting on Thursday. I hope Republicans come looking to be true partners in governing, not simply political adversaries.”