Pelosi Remarks at Press Conference on Health Care Reform for the Mi...( WASHINGTON July 13 ...),Health

WASHINGTON, July 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leaders held a press conference in the Capitol this afternoon with four middle-class Americans, who represent the struggles that so many have with our current health care system. Democrats will soon introduce a bill that will provide quality, affordable health care for the middle class. Below is a fact sheet on all four participants in the conference: Phil Feaster, Diane Buch, Joe Greear, and Tammy Rostov.

Below are the Speaker's opening remarks and closing statement. A transcript of the entire press conference will be sent later.

Speaker Pelosi Opening Remarks:

"Good afternoon. It is with great excitement that I welcome you here today as we continue our momentum toward reforming health care to lower costs for all Americans, to improve quality, to bring stability to people's homes.

"Today, we are highlighting why we are reforming health care this year and why it is important to do so, and do so as soon as possible. If we do nothing, the cost of health care for the average family of four will increase $1,800 a year. This is a hardship for that family. It's a hardship for businesses. It's a hardship for our economy. It's a hardship for our budget. And so we cannot afford to do nothing.

"Over the coming weeks, Congress will continue working with President Obama to make health care reform work for middle-class families in America. We will be on schedule to do as we have planned to vote for this legislation before we leave for the August recess.

"But in the meantime, we have a path to success: lowering costs for consumers and businesses; giving greater choice to Americans, including kee
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