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We can’t back down

Posted by: Ron Pollack, Executive Director of Families USA on Jan 21, 2010

This week, Republican candidate Scott Brown won the Senate seat in Massachusetts, leaving the Democrats just short of the 60 votes needed for a filibuster-proof majority. Unfortunately, this is not the outcome we had hoped for.

It may feel like the wind has been taken out of our sails. But now is when it is most important for all of us to keep working and to keep fighting for the health reform America needs.

We can't forget what we are fighting for: If we pass health reform, 33 million Americans will finally have access to quality, affordable care. Insurance companies won't be able to deny consumers because of a pre-existing condition. Health reform will also lower costs and improve the quality of the care.

While the media speculates about the fate of reform, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and President Obama have all said that we are still on track and will forge ahead until a bill is passed.

Key players are developing a strategy right now to ensure that health reform passes. They've been working on legislation for a year now and they're not going to let one election stand in the way.

We will not abandon this fight; we will push forward even in this hard moment. Legislators, key players, and President Obama won't let give up on health care reform and neither can we.