Some in Congress are talking about delaying health care reform for another three weeks through the August Congressional recess. Just to put a fine point on it, over three weeks in America:

There is a real human cost of even a few weeks in America without health reform. And there is no logical reason for the delay. The House of Representatives is almost done marking up a health reform bill that has the support of a wide coalition, including the American Medical Association. The HELP Committee has passed a health reform bill that lowers costs for Americans and gives us a choice of our private health insurance or a public health insurance option. The President is deploying all of his resources to pass these historic reforms. And the Senate Finance committee has been working on health care reform since January, a full six months. Why is more time needed?

The Senate Finance Committee has been unable to come to a bipartisan deal on health reform, because Republicans have been reluctant to join Democrats in supporting health reform that helps the American people. This is not a reason to delay reform any longer. It is more important that we get health reform that gives us quality, affordable health care for all than getting health reform a few Republicans can support. It is their choice whether to join us in passing historic reform Americans need so desperately. If they refuse to do so, the Senate should help pass reform anyway.

(also posted at the NOW! blog)

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