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Doris Matsui Votes to Expand Access and Increase Affordability of Health Care

Announcements — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:22:39 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (CA-05) joined her colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act. This legislation will reform our nation’s health insurance system, make health coverage more affordable and accessible, and increase the quality of care for all Americans. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Rep. Matsui has been actively involved in the health insurance reform process over the past year, and included key preventive care and wellness provisions in the comprehensive legislation.

“I have heard from men and women across Sacramento—whether they are small business owners, doctors, seniors, nurses, or government employees—and they are united in their support for health insurance reform,” said Rep. Matsui on the House floor earlier today. “In every corner of our community, there are families who will benefit from this comprehensive and long-overdue legislation that will drive down costs, expand coverage, and guarantee access to affordable health care.”

With passage today of H.R. 3962, the House of Representatives has taken a major step toward increasing the accessibility and affordability of health insurance in the United States. The bill creates a new nation-wide insurance market known as the Health Insurance Exchange, where consumer-friendly rules will be applied to private insurance companies and where consumers will be able to compare and purchase coverage plans. The exchange is also where affordability credits will also be provided to low- and middle-income families to help them afford these plans.

“No longer will Sacramento’s families live in fear of bankruptcy due to health costs; no more will Sacramento’s seniors worry about outrageous out-of-pocket expenses caused by Medicare’s drug coverage gap (known as the ‘donut hole’); never again will people in Sacramento be denied health insurance because of pre-existing conditions,” continued Matsui. “Today’s vote is a victory for Sacramento’s families, businesses, workers, senior citizens, and children. By driving down the cost of health insurance, expanding access to coverage for thousands of uninsured Sacramentans, and investing in prevention and wellness initiatives, the Affordable Health Care for America Act will dramatically improve our country’s health-care system.”

LEGISLATIVE DETAILS

Endorsed by non-partisan groups such as the American Medical Association, the AARP, and Consumers Union, the Affordable Health Care for America Act will make health insurance more affordable for the middle class while guaranteeing access to health coverage for the uninsured. It will strengthen Medicare, invest in Medicaid, and promote innovative delivery of care while responsibly reducing the federal budget deficit over the next decade and beyond.

In Sacramento, H.R. 3962 is expected to deliver the following results:

Approximately 2,000 families will be saved from declaring bankruptcy due to crushing health insurance costs.
Nearly 8,000 Sacramento seniors will see their prescription drug costs lowered as a result of the closure of the “donut hole.
More than 14,000 small businesses in Sacramento will be able to obtain affordable health coverage for their workers; all while providing tax credits that will reduce coverage costs for up to 12,700 local small businesses.
64,000 Sacramentans who do not have health insurance today will be able to afford quality coverage.
181,000 Sacramento households that have difficulty affording insurance will receive generous affordability credits to expand coverage to about 96 percent of the population.
Sacramento’s hospitals, clinics, and physicians will see their uncompensated care costs drop by more than $160 million.

To view a copy of the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, click here.

To view a bill summary, detailed fact sheets and more information on what the health insurance reform will mean for America, click here.

David Wu: House passes historic health care bill

Announcements — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:19:36 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today Congressman David Wu issued the following statement after joining the majority of the House of Representatives to pass comprehensive health care legislation:

”This is a historic day. This legislation will stand beside Social Security, the GI Bill, and Medicare as a pillar of American health care and humane values.

“The vast majority of Americans already have health insurance. I voted for this bill because, in addition to covering millions more Americans, it will increase security and stability for those who already have health insurance.

“Thanks to this bill, an insurance company will no longer be allowed to deny you coverage or jacks up your rates because of a pre-existing condition. It will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick—or water it down when you need it most.

“Thanks to this bill, there will be a yearly limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses—because no one should go broke because they get sick. Insurance companies will no longer be able to place an arbitrary cap on the amount of coverage you receive in a given year or in a lifetime.

“Health care is both a fundamental need and one sixth of our nation’s economy. This bill will be a boon to our economic health because improving our health care system will also help our businesses grow. By reducing important uncertainties in people’s lives, we will allow more entrepreneurial activity. People will be more willing to take business risks when they know that important needs like health care are taken care of.

“Americans should not have to wait any longer for these vital reforms. I am eager to see the Senate pass their health care reform bill so that we can all come together and work out a bill that President Obama can sign into law.”

Judy Chu’s Statement on House Passage of H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act

Announcements — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:18:39 +0000

“With today’s passage of H.R. 3962, America has never been closer to truly reforming our broken health care system,” said Rep. Chu. “The magnitude of this accomplishment cannot be overstated: for six decades, Congress and a number of presidential administrations have tried – and failed – in this monumental task. So President Obama and our Leaders in Congress deserve great credit for bringing us this far, and I am honored and humbled to have been a part of the debate over what I truly consider to be the most important piece of legislation of this century.

“I believe the ultimate goal of health care reform is to provide stable and affordable health care for every American while preserving what works in today's system, expanding choice, and containing costs. The Affordable Health Care for America Act accomplishes those goals by creating a public health insurance option that would compete on a level playing field with private insurers within the Health Insurance Exchange. It protects Americans from being discriminated against by insurance companies due to gender or pre-existing conditions. And it opens up the health insurance system to tens of millions of individuals who currently cannot afford it, which is particularly important in areas of our country such as my own District, where fully one-third of residents are uninsured.

“A bill of this size and complexity can never be perfect, As a long-time supporter of a robust public option, I would have preferred a stronger government plan with the power to better negotiate rates and help keep overall premiums down. I am also disappointed that under H.R. 3962, legal immigrants will still have to wait five years before being able to access Medicaid or Medicare benefits. But faced with the choice of reform or continuing the status quo, I felt that I had to support reform, and this bill goes a long way toward reforming our system for the better.

“We now await news from the Senate as it moves forward with its own version of the health care reform bill. I will work hard to encourage our colleagues in the other chamber to preserve the most important components included in the House bill, particularly the public option. I also urge our Senators to incorporate that aspect of the House bill that ensured that our states are provided with adequate federal funding to cover the expansion of Medicaid to individuals and families to 150 percent of the poverty level,

“The American public recognizes the need for this bill. Groups ranging from the American Medical Association and the American Association of Retired Persons have endorsed the House version of the bill, as well as hundreds of constituents in my district who have turned out at my town halls clamoring for reform. With today’s House vote, we are changing our health care system for the better and ensuring that America treats its people with the respect, dignity and compassion they deserve.”

Joseph Cao releases statement on healthcare vote (update w/ video)

curtis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:16:43 +0000

UPDATE 11/8 - Here's new video from a CNN interview that Rep. Joseph Cao just did, explaining his vote. It's interesting that he says he called Obama to give him the head's up, but also to reaffirm the needs of his post-Katrina Louisiana district and of Vietnamese Americans all across the United States. Even though he's not a progressive, I have to admit, I sometimes feel for the guy.

Wow, Congressman Joseph Cao (LA-02) actually stood up to his party bullies and voted the way his Democratic-leaning district would have wanted. Of course, it will be interesting to see how the right-wing noise machine rips him apart over the next few days.

Anyway, here is the statement he released just after casting his vote:

Cao Votes for “Life”; Achieves Legislation to Protect the Health of All Americans
Washington, DC , Nov 7 -
Tonight, Congressman Anh “Joseph” Cao (LA-2) voted in favor of the comprehensive health reform bill, H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act.
Of his vote, Cao said: “Tonight, I voted to keep taxpayer dollars from funding abortion and to deliver access to affordable health care to the people of Louisiana.
Cao said: “I read the versions of the House [health reform] bill. I listened to the countless stories of Orleans and Jefferson Parish citizens whose health care costs are exploding – if they are able to obtain health care at all. Louisianans needs real options for primary care, for mental health care, and for expanded health care for seniors and children.
The bill passed the House at a 220-215 vote.
Cao said: “Today, I obtained a commitment from President Obama that he and I will work together to address the critical health care issues of Louisiana including the FMAP crisis and community disaster loan forgiveness, as well as issues related to Charity and Methodist Hospitals. And, I call on my constituents to support me as I work with him on these issues.
Cao said: “I have always said that I would put aside partisan wrangling to do the business of the people. My vote tonight was based on my priority of doing what is best for my constituents.
H.R. 3962 included the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, which will keep in place current federal law on abortion funding and conscience protections for health care providers.
Cao said: “Before the Stupak-Pitts amendment was adopted as part of this health reform bill, the bill failed to explicitly include the longstanding policy prohibiting federal funding of elective abortion and plans which include elective abortion.”
According to a letter from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops dated November 7, 2009, “The [Stupak-Pitts] Amendment will not affect coverage of abortion in nonsubsidized health plans, and will not bar anyone from purchasing a supplemental abortion policy with their own funds.”
Cao said: “Thank to the Stupak-Pitts Amendment, taxpayer dollars will not go to supporting elective abortions, and for thousands of my constituents, this was a top priority. By incorporating this amendment into the health reform bill, my colleagues and I made this bill better, and that is an achievement of which I will always be proud.”
Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond, the archbishop of New Orleans, said: “I am grateful to Congressman Cao for his courage and determination to defend life. I appreciate his work to prevent abortion from being included in health care reform and for protecting conscience rights of health care professionals. I – and, I am sure, many in New Orleans would join me – [I] appreciate Congressman Cao's commitment to the people of New Orleans."

Now let's see how the Mary Landrieu, the Democratic Senator from Louisiana votes.

Statement of President Barack Obama on House Passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act

curtis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:28:35 +0000

Tonight, in an historic vote, the House of Representatives passed a bill that would finally make real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act is a piece of legislation that will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit.

Thanks to the hard work of the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America. Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.

Immigration reform teleconference, Nov. 18th

curtis — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:54:42 +0000

On November 18^th the Reform Immigration FOR America Campaign (RI4A) will host a national teleconference with Congressman Luis Guittierez (IL-04) who will discuss his intention to introduce comprehensive immigration reform legislation before the end of the year. To ensure participation of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, Asian Pacific Americans for Progress and the Asian American Justice Center/Asian Pacific American Legal Center in Los Angeles will be working to organize AAPI venues/homes/offices around the country.

If you are interested in hosting an event, email Curtis Chin at curtis@apaforprogress.org to RSVP. We will be posting up the participating cities next week.

TELECONFERENCE DETAILS: Virtual Townhall with Rep. Luis Guiterrez

Wednesday November 18, 2009

8PM EST / 5PM PST

HOSTING AN EVENT: We are asking organizations and individuals to host an event at your home or community center for 10-15 people (or more if you have the capacity). Participants will be asked to listen and participate in the teleconference and then have a follow up discussion about the needs of AAPI communities and how AAPIs can get more involved in campaigning for immigration reform.

Hosts/organizers should register their events on the Reform Immigration FOR America website at http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5691/t/5354/content.jsp?content_KEY=2968. Participants call also register.

AGENDA FOR THE EVENT: This is a suggested agenda for the event, but hosts/organizers can adapt as needed:

4:30PM PST/7:30PM EST: Participants arrive, sign in and get food

4:50PM PST/7:50PM EST: Welcome and overview by the Host, info on APAP

5PM PST/8PM EST: Join the Teleconference

5:30PM PST/8:30PM EST: Using discussion questions (provided by AAJC/APALC) to have a follow up discussion with participants.

5:55 PM PST/8:55 PM EST: Ask participants to sign post cards and participate in other campaign actions (text campaign, facebook, petition, writing op-eds)

We will provide the following materials to all hosts:

6 PM PST/9PM EST: Adjourn

Sign in sheets
Brochures on AAPI immigration needs
Discussion Guide
AAPI-specific Post Cards for Immigration Reform
Handbills for the RI4A Text-in Campaign
Staff contact for any questions/needs
Stamped Envelopes for Report Backs

HOST/ORGANIZER’S RESPONSIBILITY: Hosts/organizers will be expected to do the following:

Report back to APAP and AAJC/APALC by mailing the sign in sheet, post cards and having a short discussion with the staff contact.

Kham Xiong among dead at Ft. Hood

curtis — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:54:22 +0000

News continues to trickle out about the shooting at Ft. Hood, including information and profiles on the victims. Here's a report from KSTP in Minnesota on former local resident, Kham Xiong. The report is entitled, "Family mourns St. Paul soldier killed at Ft. Hood":

A young St. Paul man who loved fishing in the St. Croix River with his brother was one of the 13 people shot and killed Thursday in the attacks at Fort Hood.
Specialist Kham Xiong, 23, had been at Fort Hood for five months preparing for a New-Year's deployment, according to his family.
His relatives said he was in line waiting for a physical.
His wife Shoua texted him a message saying, "Come home for lunch and go back later."
But he wrote back, "No, I'll stay. It's almost my turn."
Moments later he was shot.
Xiong's father Chor Xiong is upset none of the soldiers were armed. Only police are allowed to carry weapons on base.
Chor Xiong said, "The sad part is he had been taught and trained to protect and fight, yet it's a tragedy he didn't have the chance to protect himself at the base."

And here's an excerpt from the A.P. report.

Pfc. Xiong’s father, Chor Xiong, is a native of Laos who fought the Viet Cong alongside the CIA in 1972; Chor’s father, Kham’s grandfather, also fought with the CIA; and Kham’s brother, Nelson, is a Marine serving in Afghanistan.
“I very mad,” Pfc. Xiong’s father said Friday. Through sniffles and tears, he said his son died for “no reason” and he has a hard time believing Kham is gone.
Kham Xiong was preparing to deploy to Afghanistan, and his sister Mee Xiong said the family would be able to understand if he would have died in battle.
“He didn’t get to go overseas and do what he’s supposed to do, and he’s dead .. killed by our own people,” Mee Xiong said.
Pfc. Xiong was one of 11 siblings and came to the U.S. when he was just a toddler. He grew up in California, then moved to Minnesota with the family about 10 years ago, Chor Xiong said.
He was married and had three children ages 4, 2 and 10 months. He and his wife had moved to Texas in July, Chor Xiong said.
Pfc. Xiong attended Community of Peace Academy, graduating in 2004, said high school principal Tim McGowan.
“His greatest attribute was his ability to make people smile and make people laugh. Looking back, that’s the fondest memory I have — is that smile of his and that smile that he brought to my face,” Mr. McGowan said.
For his father, the death of the little boy who followed his dad everywhere was hard to take. “I don’t think he’s dead,” Chor Xiong said, then whispered, “I don’t think he’s dead.

Kham is survived by his wife, three children and ten siblings. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to his family and to those of the other victims.

Judy Chu opens East L.A. district office

Announcements — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:25:45 +0000

Congresswoman Judy Chu, in Collaboration With L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina and Centro Maravilla Service Center cordially Invite You to the Grand Opening of Congresswoman Chu’s East Los Angeles District Office and Centro Maravilla Service Center’s Open House

Saturday, November 21, 2009

12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m.

4716 E. Cesar E. Chavez

East Los Angeles, CA 90022

Light Refreshments Will Be Served

Please RSVP by Calling Rep. Chu’s Office at (626) 448-1271

or via E-Mail at bryan.urias@mail.house.gov

Phone (626) 448-1271

judy.Chu@mail.house.gov

http://chu.house.gov

White House Ft. Hood Statement and Proclamation

Announcements — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:21:29 +0000

Friends -- Below please see an excerpt of the President’s statement in the Rose Garden today that deals with the tragedy at Fort Hood. Attached is the Proclamation he signed honoring the victims.

Best,

Kalpen

Kalpen Modi

Associate Director

White House Office of Public Engagement

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For Immediate Release November 6, 2009

Remarks by the President in the Rose Garden

11:33 A.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. I want to begin by offering an update on the tragedy that took place yesterday at Fort Hood.

This morning I met with FBI Director Mueller and the relevant agencies to discuss their ongoing investigation into what caused one individual to turn his gun on fellow servicemen and women. We don't know all the answers yet and I would caution against jumping to conclusions until we have all the facts.

What we do know is that there are families, friends and an entire nation grieving right now for the valiant men and women who came under attack yesterday in one of the worst mass shootings ever to take place on an American military base. So from now until Veterans Day I've ordered the flags at the White House and other federal buildings to be flown at half-staff. This is a modest tribute to those who lost their lives even as many were preparing to risk their lives for their country. And it's also recognition of the men and women who put their lives on the line everyday to protect our safety and uphold our values. We honor their service, we stand in awe of their sacrifice, and we pray for the safety of those who fight and for the families of those who have fallen. And as we continue to learn more about what happened at Fort Hood, this administration will continue to provide you updates in the coming days and weeks…

END 11:38 A.M. EST

Kalpen Modi

Associate Director

White House Office of Public Engagement

Manan Trivedi snags major endorsement

curtis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:55:48 +0000

Things are starting to get interesting in PA-06. That's where physician, Iraq War veteran and APAP-PAC endorsed candidate Manan Trivedi has not only posted strong numbers in his first fundraising quarter, but also now snagged another major endorsement. PA State Senator Andrew Dinniman has come out with an endorsement of Trivedi. From the blog PA2010's post, "Dinniman to endorse Trivedi in PA-06":

Dinniman will throw his support to the Reading physician during an endorsement party later this month at the home of Bob Roggio, the Democratic candidate who lost in the district last year and is also backing Trivedi, according to an invitation obtained by pa2010.com. But unlike Roggio, Dinniman is a longtime elected official in Chester County with a significant political following, making him Trivedi’s most valuable supporter to date.
“I think Andy Dinniman is probably one of the most well-liked and influential politicians in Chester County,” Roggio said.
In a brief interview Wednesday, Dinniman said that Trivedi’s life story, his experience in the health care sector and his perceived ability to win in a general election all contributed to his endorsement.
“Here you have a person who grew up in this area, who is a hero with the marines, and a person who understands so well the problems in health care,” Dinniman said. “I just felt this was a compelling story.”
Dinniman also noted that Trivedi hails from Berks County, where Democrats have historically lost the district.
“Remember, if you look at the history of votes in this district, you need a person who has a connection and ability to win Chester and Berks counties,” he said.
Much of the Democratic establishment remains firmly behind Pike, a wealthy former editorial writer at The Inquirer. Incumbent members of Congress have endorsed and contributed to his campaign, and he is seen as having the implicit backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He got an early head start in building a campaign, and with the significant money he is pouring into his own candidacy, he is still widely perceived as the favorite.
But Dinniman’s endorsement is just the latest sign that local Democrats are enthusiastic about Trivedi’s candidacy. At least one party insider who had endorsed previously supported Pike walked back his endorsement when Trivedi entered the race, and rumors abound that more insiders might soon follow his lead. Trivedi also won theendorsement for former state Senator Connie Williams, a powerful presence in Montgomery County politics.
The endorsement party is scheduled for Nov. 15.
“We have a great opportunity in reclaiming the PA 6 in Manan Trivedi,” Dinniman says in the invitation. “His knowledge, his service to his community and country, both as a physician and an Iraq War veteran, have prepared him well for the halls of Congress.”
Whoever wins the Democratic primary will face the winner of a crowded GOP contest, with Democrats looking to capture the seat for the first time since it was drawn in redistricting earlier this decade.

Again, I had a chance to briefly meet him at one of APAP Philadelphia's recent meetings and I was very impressed. Let's hope that he continues to build momentum.