Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) made the following remarks on the scores from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicating that the Democrats health care reform package will reduce the deficit $138 billion in first 10 years (2010-19) and $1.2 trillion in the next decade.  H.R. 4872, the Reconciliation Act of 2010 will cost $940 billion over 10 years and is completely paid for.  Right now, America spends $2.5 trillion each year on health care.

 “This is terrific news.  The President and Congressional Democrats promised the American people a health care reform package that would cut costs and reduce the deficit, while making coverage affordable for all Americans. CBO just confirmed that we have done just that.  If this number score from CBO was made into a letter grade, we’d get all A’s – as in more Affordable, Accessible health care for Americans and more Accountability for the insurance companies.  It is clear all around that support is growing for this package.  Look at the polls showing support growing among the American people.  Look at those polls that show the more people learn about the bill, the more they like it.  Look at Democrats from different parts of the country and across the political spectrum saying they’re ready to support the bill.  This is a historic moment and it is now time for us to vote on this bill that will make it easier for doctors and nurses to do the work they do and for all Americans to feel confident they will have insurance when they need it.”

 The CBO score can be found at http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/113xx/doc11355/hr4872.pdf.

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