Reactions to Obama Health Care Speech

by: Hopeful

Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 09:21:13 PM EDT

Senator Frank Lautenberg:

"President Obama showed great leadership tonight and made the case for why health care reform is so important to our economy and of course, the well-being of our families.  We need to make quality, affordable and stable health care available to every American so that no individual or family drowns in medical debt or is denied the care they need.  I share the President's vision and pledge to fight for reforms that will benefit New Jersey families."

Representative Rush Holt:

"Tonight President Obama clearly stated why the status quo is unacceptable and why we must fix our broken health insurance system. Americans are living sicker, dying younger, and paying more than we should or than residents of other major countries do.

"My guest for tonight's speech was Adira Riben, a Monmouth Junction resident, who recently lost her job and her insurance.  She is concerned about the difficulty in finding new health insurance because she suffers from two chronic health conditions. I hear from many residents who are happy with the coverage they have. Before she lost her job, I imagine Ms. Riben was happy with her coverage too. Unfortunately, almost everyone is one stroke of bad luck away from something they can't handle.

"It shouldn't be this way. The fight for meaningful health insurance reform has lasted 100 years. We are closer than ever to ensuring that all Americans - whether they have insurance or not - will have security and stability in their health care."

Senator Bob Menendez, "a member of the key Senate Finance Committee:"

"President Obama stood before Congress and the nation tonight with the true leadership, vision and honesty that the American people respect. It was important for him to explain why the status quo is unhealthy for our loved ones, our family finances and our nation's budget, and how we can fix it. He did all of that with strength and purpose, and we are on our way to healing the health insurance system.

"This is a serious matter that deserves an honest and serious approach. It is time to rise above the politics of fabrication and fear that powerful, entrenched interests have used to turn the debate into a brawl. Americans demanded a change from the cynical politics that took our nation in the wrong direction, and we are standing up for responsible policy and politics. Together with President Obama, many of us are committed to making sure that your health insurance won't drain your finances but will actually be there for you when you need it the most. We are going to pass long overdue reform that makes ours a healthier and wealthier nation."

Update 2: Frank Pallone and Jon Corzine below the fold

"I applaud the President for a clear and convincing address to Congress and to the American people at a time it was needed most. The President was thorough and decisive in reminded everyone of the vital need to reform health insurance and the importance of acting quickly.

"The President called on the American character when he spoke of the importance of timely action. We would do well in remembering both points as we continue our work in Congress."

Governor Corzine:

"President Obama hit all the right notes tonight in detailing his plan to finally make health care reform a reality in Washington.  His insistence that any new bill include required coverage for vital preventive care like mammograms is right for our nation and for New Jersey's families.  As the President said 'that makes sense, it saves money, and it saves lives.'

"Under my administration, we've extended coverage to over 90,000 more children.  Now, with a real partner in President Obama, we'll make stable, secure and affordable health care a reality for all New Jerseyans."