SHAHEEN STATEMENT ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ADDRESS TO CONGRESS ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen released the following statement following President Obama's speech to a joint session of Congress on health care reform:

"Tonight President Obama once again made a compelling case to the American people on why we must enact comprehensive health care reform by the end of this year, and I believe he laid out a plan that makes good sense. 

"The plan we are working on will let people keep their doctor and their insurance plan if they like it, expand coverage options for people who need it, and stabilize costs for families, businesses and our government by injecting competition in the insurance market.  And, as the President pledged, we can do this without increasing our federal deficit.

"Like President Obama, I am hopeful we can come together - Democrats and Republicans - to do what's right for our nation and its citizens.  The most important thing we can do as elected leaders is help the people who need it most by offering relief to hard working middle-class families and small businesses who are struggling with the rising cost of health care. 

"I am committed to passing comprehensive health care reform this year, and I look forward to continuing to work on legislation in the Senate to accomplish this crucial goal."