(WASHINGTON, DC) - As the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled newly blended legislation that combines three previously separate bills, Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-03) reasserted his commitment to pass health insurance reform that will give all Americans the peace of mind that they will be able to afford quality health care for themselves and their families.  Carnahan, a strong supporter of health insurance reform, released the following statement after attending an event to launch the new bill:

"After years of effort, months of debate and listening to the ideas and concerns of people throughout Missouri's Third District, momentum is on the side of the American people and health insurance reform.

"Now, I say to my colleagues, the time has come for you to decide on which side of history you will stand.  Will you stand with the vast majority of Americans who are demanding real solutions to our health care crisis?  Or will you stand in the way of affordable health care for families and small businesses?

"Now is the time to pass health insurance reform that controls costs, provides choice and competition, and emphasizes wellness, prevention and shared responsibility.  We must give all Americans the power to choose the coverage that is right for them, just like members of Congress do.  We must ensure that people happy with their coverage can keep it.  And we must strengthen Medicare and reduce our national deficit.

"Today, I believe we took one more step toward achieving these goals.  Now more than ever, I am stubbornly optimistic that we will make health insurance reform a reality."

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The full text of the bill can be found here.