Congressman Johnson: 'Now is the time for unity' on health care

Johnson, who serves as Southeast Regional Whip, urges colleagues to pass Health Care Reform

- WASHINGTON -- Congressman Hank Johnson, who serves in the House leadership as Regional Whip for the Southeast, urged Democratic colleagues on Monday to unite behind President Obama’s plan for health care reform.

“Now is the time for unity. It’s time to bring home affordable health care for the American people,” said Congressman Johnson. “This has been a century coming. Americans who are sick should get the care they need, free from unnecessary fear of destitution or death.”

Passage of comprehensive reform, expected later this week, would mark a historic moment in American history.

President Theodore Roosevelt attempted progressive reform of health care while seeking re-election in 1912, but was defeated. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt attempted to pass health care reform in the mid-1930s, but was unable to surmount industry opposition. President Bill Clinton attempted to pass health care reform in 1993, but that effort was stymied by the insurance industry.

Legislation to be considered by Congress this week would ban abusive insurance practices, reform health care delivery to rein in skyrocketing premiums, and cover over 30 million uninsured Americans.

House leadership expects a vote on final passage of the legislation later this week.

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