U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek in Response to President Barack Obama's Address to the Nation on Health Care Reform

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement following President Obama's address to a Joint Session of Congress on health care reform:

"Tonight's speech was a game-changer.  President Obama brought clarity to the health care debate. His objective is straightforward: offering stability and security in our health insurance system to Floridians with insurance and to Floridians who lack insurance."

"The status quo is unsustainable and too many Floridians with health insurance are paying high premiums and deductibles to cover the medical needs of the uninsured and those who are wrongfully denied coverage."

"The President made it clear that we're entering a new phase in the health care debate. With over 80% agreement among various committee proposals, it is now time to pull together all components into a single piece of legislation.  With skyrocketing health care costs bankrupting American families and businesses, doing nothing is not an option. In Florida alone, over 3,500 people lose their health coverage each week. We cannot afford to sit by and do nothing."

"Those who disagree with insurance reform are offering no alternative pathway to fixing the health care system other than rhetoric.  The time for reform is now upon us."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Florida Democrat sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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