Dem Chair Leslie Peterson on today's historic vote on healthcare reform

Wyoming Democratic Party Chair Leslie Petersen released the following statement today:

“Today’s vote marks an historic moment in the decades-long struggle to pass comprehensive health reform. This is the most significant development in domestic policy since Social Security was created – it is the largest expansion of coverage since Medicare and the greatest deficit reduction package passed in the last decade.

“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will end decades of unfair insurance industry practices that have hurt Wyomingites, provide quality, affordable options for the uninsured and will reduce costs for families, businesses and the country as a whole. It will expand coverage to more than 30 million Americans while reducing the deficit by more than $130 billion in the next 10 years.

“This bill is a clear victory for Wyomingites. It will deliver on the promises President Obama has made since the health care debate began – reducing costs, providing quality, affordable choices for the uninsured and providing stability and security for those who already have coverage.

"While the legislation received unanimous support from Democrats, it passed without a single Republican vote. Sadly, Senators Enzi and Barrasso and the Republican Party have shown once again that they will stop at nothing, and even vote against the best interests of their constituents, to see the President fail. Senators Enzi and Barrasso need to explain to voters why they chose to side with the health insurance executives over Wyoming families.

“So today we thank President Obama and Senate Democrats for their strong leadership on this issue and continue to offer our support as they move closer than ever to making comprehensive health insurance reform a reality for Wyomingites.”