Greenwich Roundup: 11/10/09 The Himes Times: Healthcare

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

11/10/09 The Himes Times: Healthcare

November 10^th, 2009

Dear Friends,

On any given day, the Capitol's columns, marble and statues imbue the place with a sense of history. Last Saturday night, it was overwhelming. You could almost hear the whispers of the legislators who created Social Security in 1935. You might have glimpsed the spirits of those who established Medicare 30 years later.

These programs lifted generations of seniors out of poverty and sickness. Yes, they pose serious financial challenges. But how do we value the peace-of-mind, health, and comfort of the many millions who built, taught and fought for this country?

Saturday night, the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, achieving a goal that had eluded seven presidents. I was proud to be a yes vote. Proud because it is well past time for the greatest, wealthiest country on the planet to join every other industrialized nation in offering each of its citizens access to basic health care. Himes_Healthcare Proud because you don't need to be a business genius to see that exploding health care costs are bankrupting our state and federal governments and businesses large and small. Proud because after years of irresponsible fiscal management, Congress had the courage to find ways to pay for this legislation such that the Congressional Budget Office says it actually reduces our deficit over time.

The fight is hardly won. The Senate must act. The bill can certainly be improved. I hope that the remaining weeks of this process craft a final bill that is more aggressive on overall cost reduction and on actually improving the health of the American people. But I am encouraged that we are tackling the tough issues, and I urge you to be in contact with your senators and my office to let us know your thoughts and concerns.

Best regards,

Jim