Sanchez on House Health Care Vote

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November 7, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today issued the following statement regarding her decision to vote in favor of H.R. 3692, the Affordable Health Care for America Act:

"Tonight I voted in favor of the Affordable Health Care for America Act - one of the most difficult votes I've taken during my congressional tenure. This bill is far from perfect, and I remain greatly concerned about the costs of the measure. I will continue to work diligently to reduce the high costs of the bill between now and final passage of a conference bill.

"While this bill is far from perfect, it is a significant step forward toward fixing our broken health care system. And it brings us closer to our ultimate goal: ensuring more accessible and more affordable healthcare coverage for all Americans. When over forty six million Americans lack health insurance and countless more can barely afford their monthly premiums, we must recognize that we are at the crisis point, and I firmly believe that when the system is clearly broken and cannot be fixed on its own, Congress must step in and take action.

"Passing this bill is only the first step. The Senate must now pick up where we left off, and continue its efforts to pass its own fiscally responsible health care initiative. I pledge to work overtime to push for a more fiscally responsible health care bill in conference. However, my belief that we in Congress have an obligation to expand access to health care for all Americans weighed heavily in my consideration tonight, and that is why I ultimately voted yes on this bill."

Source: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez