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December 24, 2009

Jewish Dems Praise Passage of Historic Senate Health Reform Bill

Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - David A. Harris, President of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC), released the following statement:

This morning’s Senate vote to pass health insurance reform is truly historic. The herculean efforts of the Senate Democratic leadership have brought us closer than we have ever been to real reform of this broken system. Because of today’s vote, tens of millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans will now have reason to be optimistic this holiday season.

President Barack Obama called for hope and change; he showed us that we could achieve reform that many thought was out of reach. For decades, the special interests have won, and our nation’s leaders were unable to break the gridlock that blocked changes to the status quo. But as of today, finally, the finish line is within sight.

Guided by our faith, the Jewish community understands that the inequity and injustice of our nation’s health insurance system is unacceptable. Our texts teach us that we are obligated to provide health care for those in need. That is part of why there has been a virtual consensus throughout our community—from observant to secular—that comprehensive reform is needed now.

NJDC supports this much-needed health insurance reform. We will continue to work with the Democratic leadership and President Obama to make sure we succeed in reforming this system and providing help for the uninsured at long last.