By guest blogger Liz Parry, policy analysis and implementation, N.A.C.H.
Last week Families USA hosted their annual conference where over 700 health advocates gathered in Washington, DC to urge Congress to pass health care reform. Families USA had a number of impressive speakers including: Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD), and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Despite recent challenges to health reform, all of the speakers remain optimistic that something will get done. The speakers stressed that we have never been closer to having comprehensive health care and reiterated their commitment. As Secretary Sebelius noted, “We're at the one-yard line. We've received a penalty but the game is still on!”
The speakers’ optimism clearly energized the crowd, but a moving tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy and encouraging words from Ted Kennedy, Jr. served as a poignant reminder of how far we have come and why the fight to get health reform enacted must continue.
While the speakers voiced their commitment, the path to getting legislation to the president remains uncertain. Sen. Franken urged the House of Representatives to pass the Senate bill and then both chambers could fix outstanding issues through the reconciliation process. Although this is one possible option, it is unclear whether the House members are willing to take this course of action. Other speakers noted that members of Congress are working hard to find an avenue to get a bill to President Obama.
There are challenges ahead and work to be done, but the conference demonstrated that both advocates and key policymakers have not given up on health care reform.
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