Starting today, WhiteHouse.gov is highlighting one key fact or figure each day to show how the numbers make the case for health reform.

Today’s number is ,115: the average premium for employer-sponsored family coverage per month last year. Annually, it adds up to ,375 — roughly the amount someone earning a minimum wage makes. If we do nothing on reform, a recent study found that expenses for Americans with health insurance could increase 35 percent over the next ten years.

Find out more on WhiteHouse.gov, and share today’s number with friends and family.

Starting today, WhiteHouse.gov is highlighting one key fact or figure each day to show how the numbers make the case for health reform.

Today’s number is ,115: the average premium for employer-sponsored family coverage per month last year. Annually, it adds up to ,375 — roughly the amount someone earning a minimum wage makes. If we do nothing on reform, a recent study found that expenses for Americans with health insurance could increase 35 percent over the next ten years.

Find out more on WhiteHouse.gov, and share today’s number with friends and family.

Source

The Los Angeles Times reported from the President’s speech in Glenside:

In an impassioned rally that evoked his campaign, President Obama left what he called the Washington "echo chamber" Monday and urged voters to knock on doors and make phone calls to embolden members of Congress to pass heathcare legislation.

Obama said that Washington pundits obsessed with analyzing the political repercussions of a yes or no vote on healthcare are distracting lawmakers from what’s fundamentally at stake: If Congress fails to act, the president said, premiums will rise, insurers will deny coverage based on preexisting conditions and more people will be without insurance.

"They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle," Obama told an audience of 1,800 at Arcadia University outside Philadelphia. "It is as deafening as it’s ever been. And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics — instead of thinking about doing the right thing."

In his speech, President Obama asked that everyone who believes that health reform is the right thing to do stand with him and fight during these final critical weeks.

Sign up here to join Organizing for America’s final march to help get health reform over the finish line, and stay tuned for national actions and local events near you.

On the road in Glenside, Pennsylvania yesterday, President Obama called on Congress to pass reform and asked the American people to make their voices heard to help get the job done.

The Los Angeles Times reported from the President’s speech in Glenside:

In an impassioned rally that evoked his campaign, President Obama left what he called the Washington "echo chamber" Monday and urged voters to knock on doors and make phone calls to embolden members of Congress to pass heathcare legislation.

Obama said that Washington pundits obsessed with analyzing the political repercussions of a yes or no vote on healthcare are distracting lawmakers from what’s fundamentally at stake: If Congress fails to act, the president said, premiums will rise, insurers will deny coverage based on preexisting conditions and more people will be without insurance.

"They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle," Obama told an audience of 1,800 at Arcadia University outside Philadelphia. "It is as deafening as it’s ever been. And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics — instead of thinking about doing the right thing."

In his speech, President Obama asked that everyone who believes that health reform is the right thing to do stand with him and fight during these final critical weeks.

Sign up here to join Organizing for America’s final march to help get health reform over the finish line, and stay tuned for national actions and local events near you.

Source

Today in a stunning ceremony at the Smithsonian Museum of American History, First Lady Michelle Obama donated her fabulous inaugural gown to the institution. The gown was worn to the ten inaugural balls held in Washington, D.C. on that bitterly cold night in January. The formal induction of the gown was an invitation only event that included students from the Huntington High School Fashion Design and Illustration Program in Long Island, New York. In 2009 the school challenged its design and illustration students to create an inaugural gown for Mrs. Obama after students were inspired by her style and spirit. “She’s one of the most fashionable First Ladies,” one young designer said. The students sent a book of illustrations to the First Lady.

Mrs Obama’s one shouldered, white silk chiffon gown’s designer, Jason Wu, was there and told the audience that he didn’t know his gown, embellished with organza flowers and Swarovski crystal centers, had been selected until Mrs. Obama showed up with it on. He was very proud and honored that his design had been selected. Wu, based in Manhattan, as we all know by now was a relatively unknown designer. Known for his emphasis on the feminine hourglass shape and ladylike style, Mrs. Obama has purchased four of his dresses and worn them to interviews with Barbara Walters and to visit Queen Elizabeth.

Indeed, inaugurations are celebratory events for presidents but any accomplishment can be worthy of an inauguration. Think about it. How would you celebrate you or your spouse’s highest achievement? What would you wear?

Nisa Muhammad, Washington DC Correspondent

Huntington High School Fashion Design and Illustration Program

Source

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated International Women’s Day at the White House. Since 1911 International Women’s Day has celebrated the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future. It seemed only fitting that we usher in a new era of Michelle Obama Watch by making blogosphere history and sending our very first Washington, DC Correspondent to the White House. We are the first Black owned and operated (all by women) blog to send a Correspondent to the White House that is strictly dedicated to covering the East Wing. Girls truly do make the world go round.

“Look At me And Adore me.”

That’s what the First Lady said to her husband, the President, as they greeted a standing room only crowd at the White House, March 8, for Women’s International Day. When he gave her a look, she said, “Sincerely, look at me adoringly.” He responded with a smile, “I do adore you.” There was a collective sigh in the audience. We all want a man who adores us. We want him to look at us and utter those pleasing words.

That’s the picture perfect love that the Obamas exude whenever you see them together. At one point during the program the President casually put his arm around his wife while they were sitting and scored another one for how to love a Black woman.

Today is International Women’s Day and I’m Nisa Muhammad the newly assigned Washington Correspondent for the Michelle Obama Watch Blog. What a great job! I got to go to the White House today.

I waited in line with the rest of the press corps,

walked past the west wing, and made my way to the waiting area with the rest of the reports and photographers. I immediately noticed the step stools. What were they for? I didn’t have one. Were they for sitting down? There definitely weren’t any seats where we were waiting. Step stools?

Then it was time to go in and the mad dash took off. The wire service press corps always go in first. But since I just so happened to be sitting on the very steps they use, there I was, going with crowd, going in with them…in the front! So off we go into the White House but we have to remain behind the golden rope.

The royal… er… Presidential couple and their guests were like part of a museum exhibit. If I had a step stool like the others, I could have had a better view and taken better camera shots. It didn’t matter though, because I was there and I did see Cynthia Gordon who blogs about the First Family for Essence. Mostly everyone else was a photographer or part of a camera crew.

The afternoon was a who’s who of Black women. Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, in her last days on the job, was there taking care of business.

In attendance were Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College, Civil Rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and actress Kerry Washington who was the emcee for the afternoon.

Mrs. Obama spoke about the progress of women and girls. And guess what, when the President spoke he looked at Mrs. Obama and said, “I’m very sincere when I look at you adoringly.”

Believe it or not someone asked me if this blog was for stalkers. “Stalkers!?” I said,  “We don’t stalk the First Lady. We just report and keep you informed.”

If you ever get the chance please go the White House. It’s a great place to see the Obamas up close and in person and they definitely look better in person than in the media.

Melanie Campbell, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Inc, described the afternoon as “incredible” and “indicative of Michelle Obama’s leadership”.  

This was my first White House assignment. It was great. Check back later for more to come. This is Nisa Muhammad and I am your eyes and ears in Washington, DC.

Yesterday First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated International Women’s Day at the White House. Since 1911 International Women’s Day has celebrated the economic, political, and social achievements of women in the past, present, and future. It seemed only fitting that we usher in a new era of Michelle Obama Watch by making blogosphere history and sending our very first Washington, DC Correspondent to the White House. We are the first Black owned and operated (all by women) blog to send a Correspondent to the White House that is strictly dedicated to covering the East Wing. Girls truly do make the world go round.

“Look At me And Adore me.”

That’s what the First Lady said to her husband, the President, as they greeted a standing room only crowd at the White House, March 8, for Women’s International Day. When he gave her a look, she said, “Sincerely, look at me adoringly.” He responded with a smile, “I do adore you.” There was a collective sigh in the audience. We all want a man who adores us. We want him to look at us and utter those pleasing words.

That’s the picture perfect love that the Obamas exude whenever you see them together. At one point during the program the President casually put his arm around his wife while they were sitting and scored another one for how to love a Black woman.

Today is International Women’s Day and I’m Nisa Muhammad the newly assigned Washington Correspondent for the Michelle Obama Watch Blog. What a great job! I got to go to the White House today.

I waited in line with the rest of the press corps,

walked past the west wing, and made my way to the waiting area with the rest of the reports and photographers. I immediately noticed the step stools. What were they for? I didn’t have one. Were they for sitting down? There definitely weren’t any seats where we were waiting. Step stools?

Then it was time to go in and the mad dash took off. The wire service press corps always go in first. But since I just so happened to be sitting on the very steps they use, there I was, going with crowd, going in with them…in the front! So off we go into the White House but we have to remain behind the golden rope.

The royal… er… Presidential couple and their guests were like part of a museum exhibit. If I had a step stool like the others, I could have had a better view and taken better camera shots. It didn’t matter though, because I was there and I did see Cynthia Gordon who blogs about the First Family for Essence. Mostly everyone else was a photographer or part of a camera crew.

The afternoon was a who’s who of Black women. Social Secretary Desiree Rogers, in her last days on the job, was there taking care of business.

In attendance were Dr. Beverly Tatum, President of Spelman College, Civil Rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height, several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, former Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, and actress Kerry Washington who was the emcee for the afternoon.

Mrs. Obama spoke about the progress of women and girls. And guess what, when the President spoke he looked at Mrs. Obama and said, “I’m very sincere when I look at you adoringly.”

Believe it or not someone asked me if this blog was for stalkers. “Stalkers!?” I said,  “We don’t stalk the First Lady. We just report and keep you informed.”

If you ever get the chance please go the White House. It’s a great place to see the Obamas up close and in person and they definitely look better in person than in the media.

Melanie Campbell, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, Inc, described the afternoon as “incredible” and “indicative of Michelle Obama’s leadership”.  

This was my first White House assignment. It was great. Check back later for more to come. This is Nisa Muhammad and I am your eyes and ears in Washington, DC.

Source

The President made it clear that unless we increase competition, insurers would continue excessive rate increases that make many Americans unable to afford coverage:

Every year, the problem gets worse.  Every year, insurance companies deny more people coverage because they’ve got preexisting conditions.  Every year, they drop more people’s coverage when they get sick right when they need it most.  Every year, they raise premiums higher and higher and higher.  

Just last month, Anthem Blue Cross in California tried to jack up rates by nearly 40 percent — 40 percent.  Anybody’s paycheck gone up 40 percent?

…These insurance companies have made a calculation. The other day, there was a conference call that was organized by Goldman Sachs. [On the call], an insurance broker was telling Wall Street investors how he expected things to be playing out over the next several years, and this broker said that insurance companies know they will lose customers if they keep on raising premiums, but because there’s so little competition in the insurance industry, they’re okay with people being priced out of the insurance market because, first of all, a lot of folks are going to be stuck, and even if some people drop out, they’ll still make more money by raising premiums on customers that they keep.  

And they will keep on doing this for as long as they can get away with it.  This is no secret.  They’re telling their investors this:  We are in the money; we are going to keep on making big profits even though a lot of folks are going to be put under hardship.

The President then asked everyone who supports reform to get involved now, in these next few weeks before a vote:

It’s time to make a decision.  The time for talk is over.  We need to see where people stand.  And we need all of you to help us win that vote.  So I need you to knock on doors.  Talk to your neighbors.  Pick up the phone.  When you hear an argument by the water cooler and somebody is saying this or that about it, say, no, no, no, no, hold on a second.  And we need you to make your voices heard all the way in Washington, D.C.  

They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle.  It is as deafening as it’s ever been.  And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics — instead of thinking about doing the right thing.  

… I don’t know how passing health care will play politically, but I do know that it’s the right thing to do.  It’s right for our families.  It’s right for our businesses.  It’s right for the United States of America.  And if you share that belief, I want you to stand with me and fight with me.   And I ask you to help us get us over the finish line these next few weeks.  The need is great.  The opportunity is here.  Let’s seize reform.  It’s within our grasp.

Read the President’s full speech here.

Earlier today, President Obama left Washington to pay a visit to Glenside, Pennsylvania — where he took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and made the case for why we need to pass health reform right now. In front of a crowd of about 1,800, the President highlighted recent news about insurance rate hikes and the health care status quo that helps insurance companies while failing ordinary Americans. He then went on to ask supporters to stand with him in these next few weeks by taking action and making their voices heard in support of reform.

The President made it clear that unless we increase competition, insurers would continue excessive rate increases that make many Americans unable to afford coverage:

Every year, the problem gets worse.  Every year, insurance companies deny more people coverage because they’ve got preexisting conditions.  Every year, they drop more people’s coverage when they get sick right when they need it most.  Every year, they raise premiums higher and higher and higher.  

Just last month, Anthem Blue Cross in California tried to jack up rates by nearly 40 percent — 40 percent.  Anybody’s paycheck gone up 40 percent?

…These insurance companies have made a calculation. The other day, there was a conference call that was organized by Goldman Sachs. [On the call], an insurance broker was telling Wall Street investors how he expected things to be playing out over the next several years, and this broker said that insurance companies know they will lose customers if they keep on raising premiums, but because there’s so little competition in the insurance industry, they’re okay with people being priced out of the insurance market because, first of all, a lot of folks are going to be stuck, and even if some people drop out, they’ll still make more money by raising premiums on customers that they keep.  

And they will keep on doing this for as long as they can get away with it.  This is no secret.  They’re telling their investors this:  We are in the money; we are going to keep on making big profits even though a lot of folks are going to be put under hardship.

The President then asked everyone who supports reform to get involved now, in these next few weeks before a vote:

It’s time to make a decision.  The time for talk is over.  We need to see where people stand.  And we need all of you to help us win that vote.  So I need you to knock on doors.  Talk to your neighbors.  Pick up the phone.  When you hear an argument by the water cooler and somebody is saying this or that about it, say, no, no, no, no, hold on a second.  And we need you to make your voices heard all the way in Washington, D.C.  

They need to hear your voices because right now the Washington echo chamber is in full throttle.  It is as deafening as it’s ever been.  And as we come to that final vote, that echo chamber is telling members of Congress, wait, think about the politics — instead of thinking about doing the right thing.  

… I don’t know how passing health care will play politically, but I do know that it’s the right thing to do.  It’s right for our families.  It’s right for our businesses.  It’s right for the United States of America.  And if you share that belief, I want you to stand with me and fight with me.   And I ask you to help us get us over the finish line these next few weeks.  The need is great.  The opportunity is here.  Let’s seize reform.  It’s within our grasp.

Read the President’s full speech here.

Source

At 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time this morning, President Obama will speak on health insurance reform in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Before the event begins, take a second to check out a new blog post from White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer, about more recent evidence that failure to pass reform is helping insurance companies while harming families and consumers:

The last few days have brought even more evidence that the health care status quo is working out great for the insurance companies – at the same time as it continues to fail American families and businesses. No wonder the insurance companies are spending millions and millions of dollars to block reform.

On Wednesday, a leading insurance broker laid out in clear terms what many Americans could already guess: the insurers’ monopoly is so strong that they can continue to jack up rates as much as they like – even if it means losing customers – and their profits will continue to soar under the status quo.

Read more here.

UPDATED: The event has now ended. Check back later today for highlights.

At 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time this morning, President Obama will speak on health insurance reform in Glenside, Pennsylvania.

Before the event begins, take a second to check out a new blog post from White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer, about more recent evidence that failure to pass reform is helping insurance companies while harming families and consumers:

The last few days have brought even more evidence that the health care status quo is working out great for the insurance companies – at the same time as it continues to fail American families and businesses. No wonder the insurance companies are spending millions and millions of dollars to block reform.

On Wednesday, a leading insurance broker laid out in clear terms what many Americans could already guess: the insurers’ monopoly is so strong that they can continue to jack up rates as much as they like – even if it means losing customers – and their profits will continue to soar under the status quo.

Read more here.

Source

LUVS!

Squee!

We see you Desiree Rogers. Never let them see you sweat!

This is Gina. Do we love our First Lady Michelle Obama or what? Today was International Women’s Day and the White House is holding an event. We’ll have more here on that later. I’ll let Aminah tell y’all. But let us all pause now for FLUFF. Yes, FLUFF Here are some photos of First Lady Michelle Obama with her sweetie. AAAAH. SQUEEEE!

LUVS!

Squee!

We see you Desiree Rogers. Never let them see you sweat!

Source

First Lady Michelle Obama will be donating her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; it was announced today by the First Lady’s office.

The white, one shoulder silk chiffon Jason Wu dress will join the ranks at the American History museum in Washington, D.C. of other First Lady’s famous dresses –Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Helen Taft, among others. Mrs. Obama’s shoes and jewelry will also be on display.

This will be an amazing addition to the existing FLOTUS collection at the Smithsonian. I’m sure the lines will be long to view this exibit, as they were this summer when I took my children. Read more about the exhibit. Posted by Bridgette.

Sunlen Miller and Yunji de Nies of ABCNews report that Michelle Obama’s Inaugrual gown will be headed to the Smithsonian.

First Lady Michelle Obama will be donating her inaugural gown to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; it was announced today by the First Lady’s office.

The white, one shoulder silk chiffon Jason Wu dress will join the ranks at the American History museum in Washington, D.C. of other First Lady’s famous dresses –Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Helen Taft, among others. Mrs. Obama’s shoes and jewelry will also be on display.

This will be an amazing addition to the existing FLOTUS collection at the Smithsonian. I’m sure the lines will be long to view this exibit, as they were this summer when I took my children. Read more about the exhibit. Posted by Bridgette.

Source

On this day, 45 years ago, hundreds of brave men and women gathered in the small town of Selma, Alabama to announce to the world that they, too, sang America. As they marched from Selma to Montgomery, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead, these heroes let their feet speak in a way that their voices alone could not.

Today, as we gather in this hallowed place on the anniversary of what would come to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” let us honor the memory of all those who were shoved and beaten within an inch of their lives because they believed in the simple truth that every American – regardless of race – had the right to cast a vote; had the right to live free; had the right to reach for their dreams.

It would take the marchers three tries to make it to Montgomery in March of 1965 – and even longer to secure the rights they fought so hard for. Along the way, leaders were born – men like John Lewis, who endured taunts and beatings with the same quiet grace and dignity and determination that so many of us admire today. For Congressman Lewis and so many like him, no sacrifice was too great to make in freedom’s cause.

The Movement also had a partner in the White House – a President who declared “we shall overcome,” and who understood that our nation could not move forward as long as any of its citizens were held back. President Johnson helped deliver on that promise by signing the Voting Rights Act in August of that year – a law that aligned this nation more closely with its founding ideals of justice and equality for all.

Today, we stand on the shoulders of all the Moses Generation that made the Voting Rights Act possible, that made the Civil Rights Act possible, that made the civil rights movement possible. Yet with all of the progress that has been made since that terrible day in Selma, we also know that there is still much work to be done, by us – the Joshua generation.

Since taking office, I have never forgotten that responsibility. That’s why the first bill I signed as President helped ensure that never again will someone be forced to do the same work for less pay simply because of their gender. That’s why we continue to give the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Holder, the tools to protect voting rights and defend fair practices across our nation. And that’s why last month, we sought final resolution with the nation’s black farmers who had suffered indignation for years because of the misguided actions of their government.

But we must also remember that the mission at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement was never simply about obtaining the right to sit at a lunch counter or ride on a bus. It was about giving Americans of every race, faith, and station, the right to fulfill their God-given potential. That’s why we are making unprecedented investments in the education of our children; in guaranteeing quality, affordable health care for every American; and in working to create good, well-paying jobs that will help build the economy of the 21st century.

So let us honor the men and women who marched into history so many years ago – both those who are with us today, and those who long ago gave their lives to perfect our union. Let us remember their courage in the face of danger, and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead. Because I am confident that if we stand together in the Joshua Generation as the Moses Generation did before us – then, in the words of a song we know so well, we will face the rising sun of a new day begun.

To mark today’s 45th anniversary of the civil right march in Selma, Alabama—known as "Bloody Sunday"—President Obama released the following statement:

On this day, 45 years ago, hundreds of brave men and women gathered in the small town of Selma, Alabama to announce to the world that they, too, sang America. As they marched from Selma to Montgomery, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead, these heroes let their feet speak in a way that their voices alone could not.

Today, as we gather in this hallowed place on the anniversary of what would come to be known as “Bloody Sunday,” let us honor the memory of all those who were shoved and beaten within an inch of their lives because they believed in the simple truth that every American – regardless of race – had the right to cast a vote; had the right to live free; had the right to reach for their dreams.

It would take the marchers three tries to make it to Montgomery in March of 1965 – and even longer to secure the rights they fought so hard for. Along the way, leaders were born – men like John Lewis, who endured taunts and beatings with the same quiet grace and dignity and determination that so many of us admire today. For Congressman Lewis and so many like him, no sacrifice was too great to make in freedom’s cause.

The Movement also had a partner in the White House – a President who declared “we shall overcome,” and who understood that our nation could not move forward as long as any of its citizens were held back. President Johnson helped deliver on that promise by signing the Voting Rights Act in August of that year – a law that aligned this nation more closely with its founding ideals of justice and equality for all.

Today, we stand on the shoulders of all the Moses Generation that made the Voting Rights Act possible, that made the Civil Rights Act possible, that made the civil rights movement possible. Yet with all of the progress that has been made since that terrible day in Selma, we also know that there is still much work to be done, by us – the Joshua generation.

Since taking office, I have never forgotten that responsibility. That’s why the first bill I signed as President helped ensure that never again will someone be forced to do the same work for less pay simply because of their gender. That’s why we continue to give the Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Holder, the tools to protect voting rights and defend fair practices across our nation. And that’s why last month, we sought final resolution with the nation’s black farmers who had suffered indignation for years because of the misguided actions of their government.

But we must also remember that the mission at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement was never simply about obtaining the right to sit at a lunch counter or ride on a bus. It was about giving Americans of every race, faith, and station, the right to fulfill their God-given potential. That’s why we are making unprecedented investments in the education of our children; in guaranteeing quality, affordable health care for every American; and in working to create good, well-paying jobs that will help build the economy of the 21st century.

So let us honor the men and women who marched into history so many years ago – both those who are with us today, and those who long ago gave their lives to perfect our union. Let us remember their courage in the face of danger, and recommit ourselves to the journey ahead. Because I am confident that if we stand together in the Joshua Generation as the Moses Generation did before us – then, in the words of a song we know so well, we will face the rising sun of a new day begun.

Source

Despite all the progress and improvements we’ve made, Republicans in Congress insist that the only acceptable course on health care is to start over. But you know what? The insurance companies aren’t starting over. I just met with some of them on Thursday and they couldn’t give me a straight answer as to why they keep arbitrarily and massively raising premiums – by as much as 60% in states like Illinois. If we do not act, they will continue to do this. They will continue to drop people’s coverage when they need it. They will continue to refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions. These practices will continue.

That’s why we must act now. That’s why the United States Congress owes the American people an up-or-down vote on health insurance reform. 

…I know it has been a long and hard road to this point. And we are not finished with our journey just yet. But we are close. We are very close. And so I ask Congress to finish its work. I ask them to give the American people an up or down vote. And let’s show our citizens that it’s still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future.

Despite all the progress and improvements we’ve made, Republicans in Congress insist that the only acceptable course on health care is to start over. But you know what? The insurance companies aren’t starting over. I just met with some of them on Thursday and they couldn’t give me a straight answer as to why they keep arbitrarily and massively raising premiums – by as much as 60% in states like Illinois. If we do not act, they will continue to do this. They will continue to drop people’s coverage when they need it. They will continue to refuse coverage based on pre-existing conditions. These practices will continue.

That’s why we must act now. That’s why the United States Congress owes the American people an up-or-down vote on health insurance reform. 

…I know it has been a long and hard road to this point. And we are not finished with our journey just yet. But we are close. We are very close. And so I ask Congress to finish its work. I ask them to give the American people an up or down vote. And let’s show our citizens that it’s still possible for Washington to look out for their interests and their future.

Source