TODAY’S ELECTION IN
MASSACHUSETTS
January 20, 2010
DNC CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE’S STATEMENT ON
TODAY’S ELECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS
Washington, D.C. - Democratic National
Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued
the following statement on the results of
the special election in Massachusetts
tonight:
“I want to congratulate Scott Brown on
running a strong campaign and Martha Coakley
on being a strong voice for progressive
values.
"It goes without saying that
we are disappointed in tonight's result.
There will be plenty of time to dissect this
race and to apply the lessons learned from
it those to come this fall - but in the
meantime we will continue to work tirelessly
on behalf of the America people and we will
redouble our efforts to lay out a clear
choice for voters this November.
"I
want to thank our state parties and our DNC
and Organizing for America staff and
volunteers all across the country who have
worked tirelessly on this campaign and who
will continue to support President Obama and
work for the change we all believe is
essential to getting our nation moving in
the right direction again."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Day
January 19, 2010
Democratic National Committee
Chairman Tim Kaine Releases Statement in
Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Washington – Democratic National Committee
(DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the
following statement in recognition of Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day:
“Today we
celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. and honor his legacy of
non-violent social change and justice. While
there is still work to be done, we take time
to acknowledge the tremendous progress we as
a country have made in combating racism,
bigotry and intolerance. Dr. King’s timeless
values of truth, courage, compassion,
dignity, justice, service and humility serve
as an example for all Americans to strive to
better themselves and their community.
“In a speech delivered shortly before
his untimely death, Dr. King challenged each
and every American to be a ‘Drum Major’ for
justice. Dr. King urged Americans to live up
to their ideals and strive to serve their
neighbors. This year as we honor the life
and legacy of Dr. King let us not just honor
his memory but also resolve to recommit
ourselves to family and community through
service.”
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine
Calls Senate Vote Historic Step.
December 22, 2009
DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls Senate Vote
Historic Step, Praises Democrats for
Pressing Forward to Deliver Health Reform to
the American People.
Washington - Democratic National
Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the
following statement after the Senate voted
to suspend debate and move towards a vote on
final passage of the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act. The vote on Monday
night was the first of three cloture votes
(which must achieve a 60 vote threshold)
before the historic health insurance reform
legislation can be brought to the floor for
a final up or down vote.
“Tonight the Senate took another
major step on the road to finally delivering
health insurance reform to the American
people.
“Thanks to the leadership of Majority
Leader Harry Reid (NV), Majority Whip Dick
Durbin (IL), Committee Chairmen Max Baucus
(MT) and Chris Dodd (CT) and countless
others, we are now closer than ever to
achieving historic reform that will provide
more stability and security to people who
have insurance and more quality affordable
options to those who don’t, while lowering
the high costs of care for families,
businesses and entire country.
“The Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act, if it, or health reform
legislation passed by the House of
Representatives were to become law, would
represent the most significant piece of
social and economic legislation since Social
Security, and would be the largest expansion
of health care coverage since Medicare
passed in 1965.
“The Senate’s bill will
extend coverage to more than 30 million
Americans; end abusive insurance industry
practices, like denying coverage because of
a pre-existing condition or canceling
someone’s coverage when they get sick;
strengthen Medicare and extend the life of
the Medicare trust fund; help small
businesses provide their employees
affordable insurance; and it will reduce our
deficit by 132 billion in the first 10
years, and hundreds of billions more in the
years after that.
“Seven presidents have tried and
failed to reform our broken health care
system. But today, thanks to Democratic
senators who worked hard to find common
ground and the extraordinary leadership and
vision of President Obama, the fundamental
change that has eluded this country for
decades, is finally within reach.
“Unfortunately, not one Republican
senator voted to allow this legislation to
come to a vote on the Senate floor.
Throughout this debate, Republicans have
done everything in their power to delay and
obstruct progress. Instead of fighting for
the American people, they are advocating
passionately for the status quo - a scenario
in which 14,000 people lose their insurance
every day, small businesses struggle to stay
open and families live with the constant
worry of being one injury or illness away
from financial ruin. While it is shocking
enough that not a single Republican Senator
supports this important bill, the fact that
they have all stood firm to even deny any
opportunity for the bill to be voted on at
all demonstrates how badly they misread the
responsibilities of leadership.
“Democrats will not rest until we
deliver health insurance reform to the
American people.”
DNC Hails Decision
December 3, 2009
DNC Hails Decision to Keep in Place
Consent Decree Barring Republicans From
Voter Intimidation.
Washington, DC—DNC Chairman Tim Kaine and
DNC Vice Chair for Voter Registration and
Participation Donna Brazile issued the
following statement on yesterday’s ruling by
the United States District Court for the
District of New Jersey keeping in place a
consent decree barring the Republican
National Committee from voter intimidation
and asserting that Republicans still have an
incentive to engage in such illegal
practices. Late last year the RNC asked that
the consent decree, which it agreed to in
1982, be nullified, going so far as to argue
that because the President and U.S. Attorney
General are African American, there is no
longer any reason for Republicans to be
subject to limits on efforts to engage in
“ballot security measures.” To read the
decision, click here:
http://my.democrats.org/page/-/pdf/voter_protection/DNCvRNC_Opinion_12.1.09.PDF
“Yesterday's ruling is a victory for all
Americans who believe that every eligible
citizen should have the right to vote and
have their vote counted. It also represents
a resounding repudiation of the Republican
Party's trumped up claims of voter fraud.
Our great nation was founded on the
principles of equality and freedom, and our
founders envisioned the right to vote as
central to our ideals. Yet for years,
Republicans have engaged in deplorable
practices that intimidate voters and make it
more difficult for them to cast their
ballot.
“This is wrong, and it is illegal. As the
court made clear, these types of actions
stand in the way of Americans’ fundamental
rights under the Constitution of the United
States. Republicans would be better served
trying to engage minority and
under-represented voters rather than trying
to intimidate them. Yet there is
overwhelming evidence that these types of
practices still occur, that Republicans have
engaged in them in recent elections and that
without a consent decree barring such
actions Republicans will continue to have an
incentive to engage in them. That
Republicans, who attempted to use
foreclosure lists in the 2008 election to
deny people the right to vote in Michigan,
even asked the court to nullify this decree,
shows just how eager they are to continue
engaging in practices to suppress the
rightful votes of thousands of American
citizens.
“These are not the ideals that our
country was founded on, and they should not
be tolerated. We applaud yesterday’s
decision and recommit ourselves to fighting
to ensure that the right to vote is fully
protected. And we encourage Republicans to
work with us to reform our electoral system
to remove any impediments to voting and to
ensure our voting rights laws are enforced
consistent with the law.”
Tim Kaine Releases Statement in Honor of Veterans Day
November 11, 2009
Democratic National Committee (DNC)
Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following
statement in recognition of Veterans Day:
“Today, we honor those Americans who
have served throughout our nation's
history – from the wars on our own
shores to the beachheads of Europe, from
the rice fields of Southeast Asia to the
deserts of the Middle East, and from
across the world's oceans and seas to
those who serve stateside - and take the
time to thank them for their unflinching
courage and service.
“In the wake of the tragedy at Fort
Hood, and as we work to wind down our
operations in Iraq and determine the way
forward in Afghanistan, renewing our
promise to America’s veterans is just as
important as ever – not just today, but
every day.
“Providing for our veterans is
critical, not only because we have a
moral obligation to recognize those who
have sacrificed on our behalf, but
because our servicemen and women are a
tremendous resource who can help lead
the way as we continue our pursuit of a
more peaceful and prosperous world.
“President Obama and our Democratic
Congress have demonstrated a strong
commitment to our country’s veterans,
taking several steps in just the last 10
months to expand economic opportunity,
strengthen veterans’ health care
services, and improve benefits for our
troops and military families. Through
the post 9/11 G.I. Bill – the most
generous education benefit since the
original G.I. Bill of 1944 – more than
250,000 veterans will attend college in
just the next two years. President Obama
and Congress have worked to strengthen
the VA health care system by
transforming it into a 21st century
organization that prioritizes
community-based services, promotes
prevention and takes on the injuries
unique to modern warfare, including
post-traumatic stress disorder and
traumatic brain injury. And President
Obama requested, and Congressional
Democrats approved, a 16 percent
increase in the 2010 budget for the
Department of Veterans affairs, the
largest one-year increase in 30 years.
“Veterans and their families are the
only ones who can fully understand the
toll of their sacrifice. But we can,
through our every day actions, do our
best to see that they receive the very
best service, care and respect from
their country. Today we thank our brave
men and women for heeding the call to
duty, and we honor their selfless
service.”
Organizing for America
November 7, 2009
Organizing for America Will Hold
‘Thank You’ Activities for the US House’s
Support of Health Insurance Reform
OFA and Supporters of Reform Will
Hold Thank You Activities Across The Country
to Thank Representatives for Support of
Health Insurance Reform
Washington – The House of
Representatives passed landmark health
reform legislation on Saturday, marking a
milestone in the effort to pass
comprehensive reform this year. As
representatives return to their districts,
Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers will
be hosting “thank you” activities to thank
their Representatives for supporting health
insurance reform.
“We still have some work to do, but
today we are closer to reform than ever
before,” said OFA Director Mitch Stewart,
“and that is thanks in no-small part to the
tireless work and commitment of our
Democratic leaders in Congress. Over the
next several days, OFA volunteers will be
organizing and participating in various
thank you activities in an effort to
communicate a very simple message: thank
you. As we move into this final phase of
debate, we want our representatives in
Congress to know that they have the wind at
their backs.”
The House bill, the Affordable Health
Care for America Act, would extend coverage
to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit
by $104 billion over ten years. It achieves
the goals President Obama articulated during
his address to a Joint Session of Congress
in September. It will provide more security
and stability to people who have insurance;
provide more quality, affordable options to
those who don’t; and lower the costs of care
for American families and businesses. It
would end some of the insurance industry’s
worst practices, like denying coverage
because of a pre-existing condition, or
canceling someone’s coverage when they get
sick.
Organizing for America, a grassroots
project of the Democratic National
Committee, is committed to supporting
President Obama’s agenda for change. Over 2
million people have taken action as part of
OFA’s health reform campaign. Since June 6,
OFA has held 20,000 events in all 50 states
and every congressional district encouraging
support for President Obama's health
insurance reform plan. On October 20, OFA
helped to generate more than 315,000 calls
to Congress in a single day, more than three
times the initial goal.
Tim Kaine Issues
Statement Praising the House
November 7, 2009
Democratic National Committee
Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising
the House of Representative’s Historic Vote
to Pass Health Insurance Reform.
WASHINGTON – Tonight the House of
Representatives passed the Affordable Health
Care for America Act, landmark health reform
legislation that will ensure every American
has access to quality, affordable, stable
and secure health care coverage. The
legislation, which cracks down on some of
the insurance industry’s worst practices,
would extend coverage to 36 million
Americans and cut the deficit by $104
billion over ten years. Groups representing
doctors and farmers, seniors, consumers, and
cancer patients have endorsed the bill. It
passed the House with only one Republican
vote in support of the measure.
“This day has been a long time
coming. Teddy Roosevelt first called for
health reform nearly 100 years ago, but
today – in the face of furious lobbying by
the insurance industry and nearly unanimous
opposition from Republicans – House
Democrats accomplished something no other
Congress has been able to do: pass
comprehensive health reform legislation. I
want to thank President Obama for his
extraordinary leadership on this issue, and
extend my congratulations to Speaker Pelosi,
Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairmen Waxman,
Miller and Rangel, Congressman Clyburn and
countless others in the U.S. House of
Representatives for taking this historic
step.
“The Affordable Health Care for
America Act will provide more security and
stability to people who already have
insurance by enacting much needed reforms to
the insurance industry. No longer will an
insurance company be able to deny someone
coverage because of a pre-existing
condition, or cancel someone’s coverage when
they get sick. The Act will provide more
quality, affordable choices for the millions
of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill
will bring down the high costs of care, for
American families and businesses, while
lowering our deficit.
“This historic day would not have
been possible without the tireless efforts
of Organizing for America (OFA) in rallying
the public to see through Republican
scare-tactics and lies and energizing them
behind the cause of our generation –
meaningful health insurance reform. In
total, more than 2 million people
participated in OFA’s grassroots campaign
for reform by signing pledges, sharing their
personal stories and hosting and attending
one of the thousands of local events in all
50 states and all 435 Congressional
Districts. In the final week of August and
the first week of September alone over
110,000 people attended a pro-reform event
providing the necessary momentum that made
possible this monumental achievement.
“Americans from all walks of life
have endorsed this legislation. The AARP
endorsed the bill because they believe it
will reduce health care costs and expand
coverage for older Americans. The American
Medical Association and the American Nurses
Association have lent their support because
they believe it will help to fix the
problems in our broken system and strengthen
the doctor-patient relationship. The
Consumers Union endorsed the bill because
they believe it will create a more secure,
affordable health care system, and the
National Farmers’ Union has given their
support because it will help Americans who
live in rural areas access care.
“Despite the overwhelming support
this legislation has received and despite a
strong mandate from the public for action,
the Republicans have held tight to their
just-say-no approach, firmly rooting the GOP
on the side of the insurance lobby and the
status quo that is breaking American
families and small businesses. It is evident
from their obstructionism that the
Republicans are more interested in
protecting their own reputations and
political fortunes than ensuring that our
generation and generations to come have the
best possible access to health care.
Unfortunately for the Republican Party,
their misguided and shameful campaign to
kill health reform looks doomed to fail –
something all Americans should be thankful
for.
“Today, Congressional Democrats put
opponents of reform on notice: the status
quo is unsustainable and inaction is not an
option. This vote doesn’t mark the end of
this process – we still have a ways to go –
but it is a critical milestone on the road
to passing health insurance reform. The
American people want reform – they need
reform – and Democrats will not rest until
we pass comprehensive health reform
legislation.”
GOP Insurance Company
Protection Act, Desperate Media Stunt
November 5, 2009
DNC Vice Chair Wasserman Schultz
Calls GOP Plan “Health Insurance Company
Protection Act,”
Calls Republican Online
Town Hall a Media Stunt,
Desperate
Attempt to Distract From Bill That Benefits
Insurance Companies
and Fails to Make a
Dent in the Uninsured
Washington- DNC Vice Chair and U.S.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today
issued the following statement in advance of
House Republicans’ online health care town
hall where they plan to discuss their health
reform proposal which does more to help
insurance companies than it does to help the
American people. The bill would not curb
unfair insurance industry practices like
denying people coverage because of a
pre-existing condition. In fact, the House
Republican bill would put families at risk
by giving insurance companies more power to
discriminate against patients while
accumulating record profits. And, according
to the Congressional Budget Office the
Republican bill would only cover three
million of the tens of millions who are
currently uninsured.
“While Congressional Democrats are
preparing to take an historic vote on health
reform legislation this weekend, House
Republicans are busy organizing a last
minute media stunt, where they intend to do
nothing but attack and misrepresent the
Democrats’ health reform legislation in a
desperate attempt to boost their own poor
excuse for a bill.
“I’ve seen the Republicans plan, and I
can explain it in about 12 seconds: It would
barely make a dent in reducing the millions
of uninsured Americans, and instead of
helping American families and businesses, it
would gut consumer protections and give more
goodies to the insurance lobby. It won’t
stop insurance companies from denying
coverage based on a pre-existing condition
and it doesn’t provide people help to buy
insurance on the private market.
“The Republicans’ ‘Health Insurance
Company Protection Act’ is a boon to the
insurance companies and their executives.
That’s not the reform the American people
want and need.
“Instead of participating in this 12-hour
online charade and continuing their fight to
maintain the status quo, I hope House
Republicans will join Democrats in Congress
and President Obama to pass historic reform
legislation."
GOP Health Care Plan
- "Health
Insurance Company Protection Act"
November 3, 200
DNC Vice Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Calls House GOP Health Care Plan the "Health
Insurance Company Protection Act"
Washington, D.C.—DNC Vice Chair and U.S.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today
issued the following statement in response
to the news that Congressional Republicans
are planning to introduce what she said
amounts to a “Health Insurance Company
Protection Act.” Wasserman Schultz said the
GOP plan, as it has been characterized in
press reports, would allow health insurance
companies to continue engaging in unfair and
discriminatory practices like denying
coverage to people because of a preexisting
medical condition and dropping coverage for
people who are sick.
“It’s appalling that John Boehner and
Republicans in Congress would rather
maintain the status quo and allow insurance
companies to continue engaging in unfair
practices that boost their profits at the
expense of consumers than pass the health
insurance reform American families and
businesses so desperately need. We have said
for some time that Republicans are more
interested in protecting the health
insurance industry than in helping consumers
- and the plan Republicans are putting
forward is all the proof anyone would need
to know we've been telling the truth. The
Republican plan amounts to a ‘Health
Insurance Company Protection Act’ and shows
once and for all that Republicans don’t want
real reform and will fight to protect the
status quo every step of the way. At a time
when health insurance costs are skyrocketing
and families fear losing their coverage if
someone gets sick, the last thing we need is
to give insurance companies another break.
Passing the Republicans’ bill would be worse
than passing no reform at all.
“It’s time for Republicans to get the
message: Americans want real reform. Instead
of handing out favors to big insurance
companies, Republicans should work with
President Obama and Democrats in Congress to
pass the health insurance reform our country
needs.”
Sarah Palin Lies
October 29, 2009
DNC Calls Out Sarah Palin for Her
Lies on Health Insurance Reform in its
Seventh Installment of the Call 'Em Out
Campaign
DNC Targets Palin with Video, Website,
Email and on Forum Where she has Spread
Numerous Lies: Facebook
Washington, D.C. - Today, the Democratic
National Committee (DNC) launched the
seventh installment of its ongoing “Call 'Em
Out” campaign with a multimedia effort
targeting Sarah Palin for continuing to
spread lies about health insurance reform.
The effort uses email, a website, a video,
Facebook and Twitter to demonstrate that
instead of participating in an honest
exchange on health insurance reform, Palin
has resorted to spreading misinformation and
outlandish lies including everything from
invoking "death panels" to "rationing." More
than previous Call 'Em Out efforts, the
campaign targeting Palin's lies is relying
heavily on reaching people on Facebook where
Palin has repeatedly peddled misinformation
about health insurance reform.
Please see below all the resources of our
campaign to call out Sarah Palin including
links to our new web video and website, a
note posted on Facebook and an email from
DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon
to the full DNC list.
Affordable Health Care
For America Act
October 29, 2009
Democratic National Committee
Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On The
Affordable Health Care For America Act
Unveiling of Bill is Another Key
Milestone in Passing
Health Insurance Reform this Year
WASHINGTON – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine
issued the following statement after Speaker
Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and other
Democratic Congressional leaders unveiled
their version of health insurance reform
legislation: the Affordable Health Care for
America Act. According to the Congressional
Budget Office, the bill would cost $894
billion over 10 years and extend insurance
coverage to 36 million Americans. It is
expected to cut the deficit by $30 billion
in the first 10 years.
“Today, thanks to the outstanding
work of Speaker Pelosi, Chairmen Waxman,
Miller and Rangel and countless others in
the U.S. House of Representatives, we have
achieved another critical milestone on the
road to passing health insurance reform this
year.
“The Affordable Health Care for
America Act achieves the goals set out by
President Obama earlier this year. It will
provide Americans with insurance with more
security and stability by making critical
reforms to the insurance industry --
insurance companies will no longer be able
to deny coverage because of a pre-existing
condition or cancel someone’s coverage when
they get sick. This legislation will provide
the uninsured more quality, affordable
choices, extending coverage to 96 percent of
all Americans. It also includes the choice
of a public health insurance option, which
is the best way to ensure choice and
competition in the market. And it will bring
down the skyrocketing costs of care without
adding a dime to our deficits. The bill is
fully paid for up front and it will actually
cut the deficit by $30 billion in its first
10 years.
“There is still much work ahead, but
today’s announcement is another testament to
President Obama’s extraordinary leadership
on this issue. Despite the millions upon
millions spent by insurance industry
lobbyists in an effort to kill reform and
near unanimous opposition to reform by
Congressional Republicans, Democrats have
been undeterred in their efforts. We will
continue to stand for the American people
and finally pass health insurance reform
this year.”
DNC CALLS OUT INSURANCE
LOBBY
October 15, 2009
DNC LAUNCHES FIFTH IN “CALL EM OUT”
SERIES, CALLS OUT INSURANCE LOBBY FOR BOGUS
AND MISLEADING ATTACK ON HEALTH INSURANCE
REFORM
Insurance Industry’s 11th Hour Effort To
Derail Reform With “Bogus” Report Is Widely
Panned By Media, Industry Experts.
Washington, D.C. - The Democratic
National Committee (DNC) today announced the
fifth installment in its “Call ‘Em Out”
series targeting individuals and
organizations that actively mislead the
public on aspects of the President’s agenda.
The latest “Call ‘Em Out” effort takes the
insurance industry to task for putting
profits before patients and lying about
reform - most recently by issuing a bogus
report on the Senate Finance Committee's
bill that the AARP said was not “worth the
paper it’s written on” and that numerous
nonpartisan sources have debunked.
Please see below for the text of an email
sent to the Democratic Party's email list
from DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley
Dillon on the insurance lobby’s self
serving, desperate attempt to block reform.
In the email, O’Malley Dillon asks
supporters to send a message to their member
of Congress urging them to stand-up to the
insurance lobby’s multi-million dollar
assault on reform and to share a video via
email, twitter and facebook detailing the
negative response by nonpartisan sources to
the insurance industry’s biased report.
From: Jen O'Malley Dillon
Subject: The
insurance lobby's lies
Friend --
After fighting health reform with lies,
deceit, and multi-million dollar ad
campaigns, the health insurance lobby --
America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) --
just released a report on the "effects of
health reform." Surprise! It's full of
flawed claims that reform would increase
costs
Many journalists and experts called the
report "deceptive" and "implausible." Even
the firm that wrote it now admits they only
looked at parts of the health reform plan --
because that's what the insurance lobby paid
them to do. It's exactly what we should
expect from an industry that's been fighting
tooth and nail to kill reform, and is now
preparing an all-out assault.
We're not going to take it sitting down.
So this week, we're calling out the health
insurance lobby.
The lobby has invested millions trying to
convince Congress to oppose reform. So this
week, we're not simply debunking lies: The
best way to Call 'em Out is to cut through
the spin and tell our representatives to say
"no" to deceitful lobbyists and "yes" to
reform.
Call 'em Out: Health Insurance Lobby.
Send a message urging Congress to stand with
voters, not lobbyists.
This isn't the first time the health
insurance lobby has lied, cheated, or used
misleading reports. This false report is
just the latest salvo in a multi-million
dollar offensive that appears designed to
frighten voters and bully Congress into
opposing reform.
In fact, just days after releasing the
report, the lobby announced they will spend
a million dollars on a television ad filled
with debunked claims of Medicare cuts that
could scare seniors away from supporting
health reform.
We need your help to call out the
insurance lobby and make sure our
representatives understand that we're
counting on them to stand strong against
their pressure.
Visit Call 'em Out: Health Insurance
Lobby, and help fight back. Share a video
debunking the health insurance lobby's lies
with your friends. Spread the word about
their deceit on Facebook and Twitter. And
most importantly, tell your members of
Congress to say "no" to insurance lobby
pressure.
Soon, health reform will be taken up by
the entire House and Senate, and the
insurance lobby will take their attacks to a
new level. Their lies will grow more extreme
-- and it will be more important than ever
that our voices are louder than those of the
Washington lobbyists.
Call out the health insurance lobby
today:
http://www.democrats.org/CallOutAHIP
Thanks for helping us set the record
straight about reform,
Jen
Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National
Committee
Senate Finance
Committee’s Vote to Pass
October 13, 2009
Democratic National Committee Chairman
Tim Kaine Issues Statement Following Senate
Finance Committee’s Vote to Pass
Health Insurance Reform
Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine
issued the following statement after the
Senate Finance Committee voted out of
committee their version of health insurance
reform legislation. The vote won bi-partisan
support, with Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine
voting to pass the bill out of committee.
“Today’s action by the Senate Finance
Committee represents a big step forward
towards the enactment of comprehensive
health insurance reform.
“I want to commend Chairman Baucus for
his leadership and thank all the Democrats
on the committee for their tireless work to
incorporate the best ideas from both sides
of the aisle. Last week, we began to see the
fruits of that labor as prominent leaders
from outside Washington – including former
Bush Administration Health and Human
Services Secretary Tommy Thompson,
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
former Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole and
Bill Frist, and New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg, an independent – came out in
favor of reform. Senator Snowe’s decision to
support the Finance Committee’s legislation,
because “the consequences of inaction
dictate the urgency of Congress to
demonstrate its capacity to solve the
monumental issues of our time,” brings a
renewed sense of momentum to the cause.
“We have been debating health reform for
generations. Now, after nearly a year of
intense study and deliberation, five
Congressional committees have given us a
strong framework to keep making progress.
There is still much work ahead, and we know
insurance industry lobbyists and their
friends in Congress will do everything
within their power to kill reform and
maintain the status quo. But we are closer
than ever before to enacting reform that
achieves President Obama’s goals of
providing more security and stability to
people who have insurance, more quality,
affordable choices for those who don’t and
reining in the high costs of health care for
American families, businesses and our
government.
“Thanks to President Obama’s strong
vision and commitment, and the commitment of
like-minded Members of Congress, we are
going to deliver health insurance reform to
the American people this year. Inaction is
not an option.”
Tim Kaine Issues
Statement Following Senate Finance Committee
October 13, 2009
Democratic National Committee Chairman
Tim Kaine Issues Statement Following Senate
Finance Committee’s Vote to Pass Health
Insurance Reform
Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine
issued the following statement after the
Senate Finance Committee voted out of
committee their version of health insurance
reform legislation. The vote won bi-partisan
support, with Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine
voting to pass the bill out of committee.
“Today’s action by the Senate Finance
Committee represents a big step forward
towards the enactment of comprehensive
health insurance reform.
“I want to commend Chairman Baucus
for his leadership and thank all the
Democrats on the committee for their
tireless work to incorporate the best ideas
from both sides of the aisle. Last week, we
began to see the fruits of that labor as
prominent leaders from outside Washington –
including former Bush Administration Health
and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson,
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
former Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole and
Bill Frist, and New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg, an independent – came out in
favor of reform. Senator Snowe’s decision to
support the Finance Committee’s legislation,
because “the consequences of inaction
dictate the urgency of Congress to
demonstrate its capacity to solve the
monumental issues of our time,” brings a
renewed sense of momentum to the cause.
“We have been debating health reform
for generations. Now, after nearly a year of
intense study and deliberation, five
Congressional committees have given us a
strong framework to keep making progress.
There is still much work ahead, and we know
insurance industry lobbyists and their
friends in Congress will do everything
within their power to kill reform and
maintain the status quo. But we are closer
than ever before to enacting reform that
achieves President Obama’s goals of
providing more security and stability to
people who have insurance, more quality,
affordable choices for those who don’t and
reining in the high costs of health care for
American families, businesses and our
government.
“Thanks to President Obama’s strong
vision and commitment, and the commitment of
like-minded Members of Congress, we are
going to deliver health insurance reform to
the American people this year. Inaction is
not an option.”
TIM KAINE ISSUES
STATEMENT ABOUT NOBEL PRIZE COMMITTEE
October 9, 2009
DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT
NOBEL PRIZE COMMITTEE’S AWARDING OF 2009
PEACE PRIZE TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
Washington, D.C. - President Obama was
awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday
morning for his “extraordinary efforts to
strengthen international diplomacy and
cooperation between peoples.” Democratic
National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine
issued the following statement:
“The Nobel Committee’s decision to award
this year’s Peace Prize to President Obama
is an affirmation of the fact that the
United States has returned to its
longstanding role as a world leader. The
President has made a conscious decision from
the beginning of his presidency to
reinvigorate diplomacy, by talking to our
friends and our rivals. Those efforts to
bring world leaders together are helping the
people of the world to face monumental
challenges like nuclear arms proliferation,
conflict resolution and climate change.
“With this prize comes a sense of
enormous pride, but also an enormous sense
of humility about the work that remains if
we are to resolve the global problems facing
humanity. Democrats will continue to work
with President Obama to keep moving America
forward, as we continue in earnest to sow
peace, progress and understanding around the
world.”
TEXANS RALLY FOR HEALTH
INSURANCE REFORM
September 15, 2009
NEARLY 1,000 TEXANS RALLY FOR HEALTH
INSURANCE REFORM AS ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA’S
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW BUS TOUR STOPS
IN DALLAS
Follows stops across the country with
thousands of supporters as momentum builds
to pass health insurance reform this year
Between 800 and 1,000 Texans rallied
to support efforts to pass health insurance
reform this year at Organizing for America's
Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour stop in
Dallas yesterday. Texas State Senator Royce
West, Organizing for America Director Mitch
Stewart and local supporters spoke about the
importance of reforming America’s health
insurance system this year.
The event in Dallas followed stops in 15
other cities where thousands rallied to show
their support for passing reform this year.
The tour is part of a wider set of events
being held throughout the nation
highlighting the strong support for reform
throughout the country. In the coming days,
the Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour
will make stops in Omaha and Salt Lake City
to continue amplifying the urgency of
reforming our health insurance system this
year.
These strong showings of
support offer further evidence of the
building momentum behind President Obama’s
plan and the on-going efforts to pass health
insurance reform this year.
At its
core, President Obama’s plan accomplishes
two goals: it provides Americans who have
insurance with unprecedented stability and
security, and provides those who don’t with
quality, affordable choices. It also reins
in skyrocketing costs that are hurting
American families and businesses - without
adding a dime to our nation’s deficit.
President Obama’s plan holds insurance
companies accountable and makes the system
work better for consumers. The plan makes it
illegal for insurance companies to deny
someone coverage because of a pre-existing
condition, limit the amount of coverage
someone can receive, or cancel someone’s
coverage when they get sick. It will cap out
of pocket expenses and stop companies from
charging extra for preventive care.
State Senator Royce West
"Our nation is facing one of the greatest
moral challenges of this generation," said
Senator West. "For thousands of Texans, a
job loss, illness or an accident could mean
losing health coverage or filing bankruptcy
to cover health costs...America needs health
care reform and the time is now."
Mitch Stewart, OFA Executive Director
"President Obama’s plan accomplishes
three goals -- it gives Americans with
insurance more security and stability, it
provides those who don’t have insurance with
affordable choices and it reins in the high
cost of care which is crushing American
families, businesses and our government,
without adding a dime to our deficits. And
that’s what this event is all about. Let’s
get it done: let’s pass health insurance
reform now."
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
September 15, 2009
DNC COMMEMORATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Washington, D.C.—DNC Chairman Tim Kaine
issued the following statement commemorating
Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today,
September 15:
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an
opportunity to reflect on the vital role
Hispanics play in our country. With a long
history of service, Hispanics are an
important part of America’s armed forces,
economy and local, state and national
governments. President Obama has recognized
the importance of Hispanics in our national
dialogue and nominated more Hispanics to
serve in high office than ever before.
“Hispanics voted in overwhelming numbers
to elect President Obama last November and,
as a result, we have seen transformative
change on issues important to Hispanics and
our nation as a whole, like the expansion of
children’s health insurance, equal pay for
equal work, bringing our economy back from
the brink and the appointment of Justice
Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
“This month is also a reminder that there
is much more to accomplish. President Obama
is working for health insurance reform that
will provide more security and stability to
people who have health insurance and will
provide insurance to those who don’t. For
Hispanics, insurance reform is crucial: one
out of three Hispanics under 65 is
uninsured, and many more lack adequate
coverage.
“As we look at the work ahead of us, I
know that Hispanics will play an active role
in bringing about important and positive
changes throughout America. I thank them for
their significant contributions to our
country and for advancing the American
dream.”
PRESIDENT PREPARES TO
RALLY MINNESOTANS ON HEALTH REFORM
September 12, 2009
AS THE PRESIDENT PREPARES TO RALLY
MINNESOTANS ON HEALTH REFORM TODAY, DNC
RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO TARGETING MINNESOTA
GOVERNOR ENTITLED: “TIM PAWLENTY: IN THE
EXTREME”
With His Eyes Set on Run for Higher
Office, Tim Pawlenty has Gone off the Deep
End With his Extreme Opposition to the
President, Lies On Health Care.
Washington, D.C. – With the President set
to rally tens of thousands of Minnesotans on
health reform today, the Democratic National
Committee has taken aim at Minnesota's
Governor Tim Pawlenty, releasing a new web
video slamming him for his extremist and
false rhetoric on health insurance reform,
his public support for far-right Virginia
gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell who
has called working women a detriment to
society and his attacks on the President’s
speech on personal responsibility to school
children. Taken together, Pawlenty’s
positions reveal a politician who is way out
of the mainstream and desperate in his
attempts to garner attention from the
farthest right fringe of his Party. DNC
Communications Director Brad Woodhouse
released the following statement:
“The harder Tim Pawlenty tries to appeal
to the far-right wing of the Republican
Party, the more ludicrous his arguments get.
In the past week alone, he has strengthened
his already vocal support for the absurd and
debunked claim that health insurance reform
could lead to death panels. He’s campaigned
in Virginia for a Republican gubernatorial
candidate who believes working women are a
detriment to society. And, he was one of a
handful of those on the extreme right wing
who criticized the President’s address to
school children – a speech wherein the
President urged students to stay in school
and work hard.
“The more the voters learn about Tim
Pawlenty, the more they will see that he is
solely motivated by his desire to win over
far right wing extremists and appeal to
Republican Party leaders like Rush Limbaugh
. His actions as of late beg the question –
what won’t Tim Pawlenty say or do to appeal
to the Sarah Palin wing of the Republican
Party.?”
FLORIDIANS RALLY FOR
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
September 12, 2009
MORE THAN 1,100 FLORIDIANS RALLY FOR
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AT ORGANIZING FOR
AMERICA ’S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW STOPS
IN FLORIDA
Follows stops across the country with
thousands of supporters as momentum builds
to pass health insurance reform this year
More than 1,100 Floridans rallied to
support efforts to pass health insurance
reform this year at Organizing for America's
Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour stops
in Orlando and Tampa today. Organizing for
America Director Mitch Stewart was joined by
U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson and OFA Florida State
Director Ashley Walker in Orlando and was
joined by OFA Florida Field Director John
Bivona in Tampa. At both events Floridians
shared their personal health care stories
and discussed why they support health
insurance reform now.
The stops followed stops in 11 other
cities where thousands rallied to show their
support for passing reform this year. The
tour is part of a wider set of events being
held throughout the nation highlighting the
strong support for reform throughout the
country. In the coming days, the Health
Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour will make
stops in New Orleans and Dallas to continue
amplifying the urgency of reforming our
health insurance system this year.
These strong showings of support offer
further evidence of the building momentum
behind President Obama’s plan and the
on-going efforts to pass health insurance
reform this year.
At its core,
President Obama’s plan accomplishes two
goals: it provides Americans who have
insurance with unprecedented stability and
security, and provides those who don’t with
quality, affordable choices. It also reins
in skyrocketing costs that are hurting
American families and businesses - without
adding a dime to our nation’s deficit.
President Obama’s plan holds insurance
companies accountable and makes the system
work better for consumers. The plan makes it
illegal for insurance companies to deny
someone coverage because of a pre-existing
condition, limit the amount of coverage
someone can receive, or cancel someone’s
coverage when they get sick. It will cap out
of pocket expenses and stop companies from
charging extra for preventive care.
OFA Director Mitch Stewart
“Right now our
system works better for insurance companies
than it does for regular people. Right now,
defenders of the status quo are putting
special interest profits and partisanship
above patient care. That’s why it’s so
important we pass reform this year that
gives all Americans more security and
stability by bringing down costs, expanding
choice, and guaranteeing everyone basic
consumer protections. Let’s pass health
insurance reform now.”
U.S. Rep. Alan
Grayson
"It's time for people with a
conscience to stand up and speak out.”
OFA Florida Director Ashley Walker
“Right here in Florida, OFA has been
organizing and empowering volunteers across
the state to make a difference in the health
insurance reform debate by hosting phone
banks, canvasses, house parties,
organizational meeting and earned media
events aimed at building support for the
President’s plan for reform. Floridians need
reform. We cannot delay reform for yet
another year, another election cycle or
another administration. The status quo is
unsustainable.”
GEORGIANS RALLY FOR
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM
September 10, 2009
MORE THAN 700 GEORGIANS RALLY FOR
HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AT ORGANIZING FOR
AMERICA’S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW STOP
IN ATALANTA
Follows stops across the
country with thousands of supporters as
momentum builds to pass health insurance
reform this year
More than 700
Georgians rallied to support efforts to pass
health insurance reform this year at
Organizing for America's Health Insurance
Reform Now Bus Tour stop in Atalanta last
night. Organizing for America Political
Director Addisu Demissie was joined by State
Senator Nan Orrock, White House Working
Group on Health Reform; Rev. Rapheal
Warnock, Ebenezer Baptist Church; Richard
Ray, AFL-CIO State President, Dr. Deneta
Sells, local physician and OFA volunteer;
and Candice Walker, Georgia resident.
Attendees also watched the President's
address to a special session of Congress
live at the event.
.
The stop was the
first of the tour's second leg. Thousands
rallied during the first 10-city leg to show
their support for passing reform this year.
The tour is part of a wider set of events
being held throughout the nation
highlighting the strong support for reform
throughout the country. In the coming days,
the Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour
will make stops in Orlando and Tampa to
continue amplifying the urgency of reforming
our health insurance system this year.
These strong showings of support offer
further evidence of the building momentum
behind President Obama’s plan and the
on-going efforts to pass health insurance
reform this year.
At its core,
President Obama’s plan accomplishes two
goals: it provides Americans who have
insurance with unprecedented stability and
security, and provides those who don’t with
quality, affordable choices. It also reins
in skyrocketing costs that are hurting
American families and businesses – without
adding a dime to our nation’s deficit.
President Obama’s plan holds insurance
companies accountable and makes the system
work better for consumers. The plan makes it
illegal for insurance companies to deny
someone coverage because of a pre-existing
condition, limit the amount of coverage
someone can receive, or cancel someone’s
coverage when they get sick. It will cap out
of pocket expenses and stop companies from
charging extra for preventive care.
OFA
Political Director Addisu Demissie
“We
are at a crucial time in our nation’s
history. Every single one of us has
something to lose if we do nothing. Health
insurance reform isn't only for people
without insurance - it's about anyone who's
ever been afraid of losing their coverage
because they got sick, changed jobs or lost
their job. Reform will protect and promote
choice for all Americans. If you have
insurance, and you like your doctor, you can
keep your doctor. If you’re one of the 46
million Americans who don’t have insurance,
reform will give you have a menu of quality,
affordable plans to choose from.”
Committee and Senior
Leaders Call Out Congressional Republicans
September 9, 2009
Democratic National Committee and Senior
Leaders Call Out Congressional Republicans
on Their Decades Long Effort to Kill
Medicare
Full audio of the call can be found here:
http://www.democrats.org/page/-/audio/calls/ConfCall130pm090909.mp3
WATCH the New DNC AD “REPUBLICANS WANT TO
END MEDICARE”:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59qMNRHupNI
Washington, DC – Today, on a call with
reporters, the Democratic National Committee
(DNC) along with Richard Fiesta, Government
Affairs and Political Director for the
Alliance for Retired Americans and Steve
Regenstreif, AFSCME Director, Retiree
Programs called out Congressional
Republicans on their decades long effort to
kill Medicare.
As part of their continued attempts to
spread lies and misinformation about health
insurance reform, Republicans have tried to
scare seniors into thinking reform will
result in cuts to Medicare benefits. This
couldn’t be further from the truth -- the
President’s proposed health insurance
reforms will not cut benefits, but will
strengthen the program by cutting waste,
ending special interest subsidies and
closing the prescription drug “donut hole.”
The real truth is, Republicans have been
no friends to seniors. For decades,
Republicans have fought to gut Medicare
funding and have made repeated attempts to
kill the program altogether. Even earlier
this year, 137 Republicans voted for a House
budget proposal which would have ended
Medicare as we know it.
In response to this misinformation, the
DNC released a new television ad which began
running yesterday on national and District
of Columbia cable stations and in ten
Republican congressional districts, blasting
the Republican Party for voting earlier this
year to abolish Medicare and for its decades
long hostility towards the health care
program for our nation's seniors. "No Friend
to Seniors" is running in the districts of
U.S. Reps. Eric Cantor (VA), John Boehner
(OH), Lee Terry (NE), Patrick Tiberi (OH),
Mary Bono Mack (CA), Don Young (AK), Paul
Ryan (WI), Michele Bachmann (MN), Jean
Schmidt (OH), and Erik Paulsen (MN).
Brad Woodhouse, DNC Communications
Director
“What we have seen out of Republicans for
the last six weeks and what we saw out of
Sarah Palin today in the Wall Street Journal
is nothing short of deplorable. The
Republican Party, Sarah Palin included, have
opposed programs like Medicare, have opposed
programs like Social Security, have wished
that they had never been created and have
proposed cuts to virtual elimination of both
of these programs over time and have
supported efforts to undermine programs that
are vital to our Nation’s seniors… what
Sarah Palin proposed today in her op-ed and
the thing that she continues to talk about
as it relates to seniors and health
insurance reform is scurrilous, it’s risky,
it’s scary and it has no place in this
debate…Rhetoric has to be replaced with
realty. The reality of what Republicans have
proposed over and over again is to undermine
Medicare, to outright abolish it, to
dismantle Social Security and there’s no way
that we’re going to listen to the Sarah
Palin, John Boehner and Michael Steele’s of
the world today telling us that they have
the best interests of Seniors at heart… they
are so concerned that President Obama is on
the cusp of successfully implementing health
insurance reform that they will literally
say anything, they will take any port in
this storm to try and undermine the
President, to break him politically, as they
have said they want to do, and to kill
reform. So now they are trying to scare
seniors with discussions of death panels,
with erroneous accusations that President
Obama and the Democrats would propose to cut
Medicare benefits - none of which is true -
and we are not going to let them get away
with it.”
Steve Regenstreif, AFSCME Director,
Retiree Programs
“All across the country, the opponents of
health care reform are spreading
misinformation about President Obama’s
proposals to improve health care coverage
for all Americans. We shouldn’t be surprised
by that – the insurance companies, the
right-wing radio hosts, the K Street
lobbyists and the Republican leadership who
are spreading the misinformation have a
vested interest in keeping the status quo.
They are willing to lie to protect industry
profits.”
Richard Fiestia, Government Affairs and
Political Director, Alliance for Retired
Americans
“Again today, and this last month, we’ve
seen the gang that wanted to take the
‘security’ out of Social Security with
privatization in 2005 is now back in 2009
wanting to take the ‘care’ out of
Medicare…right now in health care reform we
have an exciting moment before us that could
actually do positive change for seniors --
we can close the ‘donut hole’ in the
coverage gap in Medicare part D, we can
lower prescription drug costs”
|
Rachelle
Younglai and Kevin Drawbaugh
