From Mitch Stewart:
On Wednesday night, Senate leadership unveiled their final health reform package. It's a great bill that accomplishes President Obama's core goals for reform: provide more security for those who have insurance, guarantee affordable coverage options for those who don't, and rein in the cost of care for American businesses and families. And it accomplishes all of this while reducing the deficit by as much as $777 billion over the next 20 years. Now, we're in the final sprint toward reform, and the next challenge is already here. Today, senators are listening carefully to see how constituents react to the bill and how we want them to proceed. So it's our job to make sure they hear quickly and unmistakably: Move forward! On Saturday, the Senate faces a close vote on whether or not to begin debate, so it's critical to weigh in right away. Click here to call your senators now. Just tell whomever answers the phone where you live and that you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act -- and want the Senate to begin discussing it right away. After you've called, click here to tell us how it went:http://my.barackobama.com/SenateVote Many senators have worked tirelessly to get us this far, and they deserve our thanks. But it is crucial that every senator knows that we are counting on them to stand up to the insurance industry and support reform -- and that we will be right there standing with them. We're getting so close, and your incredible work is a big part of why we've been successful so far. Let's keep it up and get this job done. Thanks, Mitch Mitch Stewart Director Organizing for America
From David Plouffe:
After nearly 1,000 submissions, 20 amazing finalists, and more than 3 million views, we have the winner of the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge. The winning video shows that our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side. In the next few days, we'll be using this video as the basis for a new television ad that will air across the country -- and you can help, by ensuring we have the resources to make the biggest impact. Check out the winning video and then donate $25 or more to help make sure as many people as possible see the final ad on national television. With Congress wrapping up its last round of negotiations and closely gauging the public's mood in these crucial final weeks, now is the exact time to get this grassroots message out far and wide. Your passion has brought our country closer to health reform than we've ever been before -- and it's what will keep our momentum strong so that we finish the job before the end of the year. So please watch the winning video, pass it on to everyone you know, and give what you can to spread the message on national television: http://my.barackobama.com/WinningVideo Thanks,David Plouffe
After nearly 1,000 submissions, 20 amazing finalists, and more than 3 million views, we have the winner of the Organizing for America Health Reform Video Challenge. The winning video shows that our supporters' creativity and passion is more than a match for the slick ads and partisan spin doctors on the other side. In the next few days, we'll be using this video as the basis for a new television ad that will air across the country -- and you can help, by ensuring we have the resources to make the biggest impact. Check out the winning video and then donate $25 or more to help make sure as many people as possible see the final ad on national television.
With Congress wrapping up its last round of negotiations and closely gauging the public's mood in these crucial final weeks, now is the exact time to get this grassroots message out far and wide. Your passion has brought our country closer to health reform than we've ever been before -- and it's what will keep our momentum strong so that we finish the job before the end of the year. So please watch the winning video, pass it on to everyone you know, and give what you can to spread the message on national television: http://my.barackobama.com/WinningVideo Thanks,David Plouffe
Over the past decade, as health insurance premiums have continued to rise, American businesses have often paid the price. If you take a look around your community, you'll likely see small business owners struggling, overwhelmed by skyrocketing health care costs.
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they're a key constituency with the ear of elected representatives. Their voices are absolutely critical to the campaign for health insurance reform. Brandye, a small business owner in Joliet, Illinois, shared her story with us:
My name is Brandye. I run a beauty salon in Joliet, Illinois, and it has been fairly successful. However, with the economy in its current state, I have not been able to provide health care for myself through my business. Small businesses are forced to make so many tough choices these days. For example; buying more supplies to keep your business afloat versus health care coverage for your employees – which one do you choose?I've called numerous insurance companies for quotes and the premiums per month would be hundreds of dollars with some companies. I am healthy and do not even have any pre-existing conditions. Because of my own personal experience with our current health care system, my heart really goes out to the people who are sick. It is heartbreaking to know there are people who need to see a doctor, but won't go because they can't afford to pay the bill.Just think about all the people that died of cancer who would still be alive today if it was found early enough.My father was one of those people. My father was an international singer with many hit records. He was also a self-employed entertainer most of his life, and he did not have health insurance. He died of throat cancer in 2007.Countless families have stories like mine. Hundreds of thousands of small business owners just like me love what they do for a living and love the people we serve in our communities. We are people who know we could take a job in a larger company to enjoy the lower cost of group benefits coverage, but what would that do to our communities without us there to serve them?The corner grocery store, the shoe repair shop, the local bakery, the light hearted beauty salon or barber shop, and the coffee shop down the street, are just a few examples of people with businesses who love the communities they serve.This is America. The time has come for us as a nation to step up to the plate and provide decent health care with lower premiums for all. No one asks to be sick, but when we are sick are country should do all it can to give every American an opportunity to get well.I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Rep. Debbie Halvorson, my Congresswoman in Joliet, for supporting this bill.
Here's the full video of President Obama's moving speech at yesterday's memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas:
After casting an historic vote for health reform on Saturday night, many members in the House of Representatives are now heading home for a district work period. OFA Volunteers in Minnesota gathered at the airport bright and early on Sunday morning to greet Congressmen Walz and Ellison as they returned home from Washington.
Shortly afterward, Congressman Ellison posted to his Twitter feed:
Thanks to Obama For America MN for welcoming Tim Walz and I at the airport this morning at 8:30 am. Crew from Obama for America MN understands that the people must keep the energy HIGH until Obama signs the bill into LAW! And beyond.
In Maine, supporters were on hand to greet Representative Chellie Pingree. The Press Herald reported:
About three dozen supporters greeted Pingree as she arrived at the Portland International Jetport from Washington on Sunday morning. They carried flowers, balloons, homemade cookies and signs praising her for her vote."I just wanted to thank Chellie Pingree for stepping up and doing the right thing," said Maurie Hill, a 63-year-old retired nurse from Standish.Pingree said that although the House bill is not perfect, its passage helps move the ball forward. Her advice to her Senate colleagues?"Get voting!" she said. "It's not easy. We've been working on this for 10 months."
Representative Pingree also took to Twitter to thank supporters, posting:
Thanks so much for all the wonderful people who welcomed me at airport this morning -- made me teary! The cookies were great!!
If your representative voted for health reform last Saturday, you can use our online tools to call and thank them for their vote.
Before health reform can become law, it must pass one more time through the House of Representatives, so it's crucial to publicly show that voters support reform. Taking 30 seconds to say "thank you" could mean all the difference in the coming weeks.
Shortly after releasing his official statement on tonight's historic vote, President Obama sent out the following email to supporters:
This evening, at 11:15 p.m., the House of Representatives voted to pass their health insurance reform bill. Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history. But you and millions of your fellow Organizing for America supporters didn't just witness history tonight -- you helped make it. Each "yes" vote was a brave stand, backed up by countless hours of knocking on doors, outreach in town halls and town squares, millions of signatures, and hundreds of thousands of calls. You stood up. You spoke up. And you were heard. So this is a night to celebrate -- but not to rest. Those who voted for reform deserve our thanks, and the next phase of this fight has already begun. The final Senate bill hasn't even been released yet, but the insurance companies are already pressing hard for a filibuster to bury it. OFA has built a massive neighborhood-by-neighborhood operation to bring people's voices to Congress, and tonight we saw the results. But the coming days will put our efforts to the ultimate test. Winning will require each of us to give everything we can, starting right now. Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford so we can finish this fight? Tonight's vote brought every American closer to the secure, affordable care we need. But it was also a watershed moment in how change is made. Even after last year's election, many insider lobbyists and partisan operatives really thought that the old formula of scare tactics, D.C. back-scratching and special-interest money would still be enough to block any idea they didn't like. Now, they're desperate. Because, tonight, you made it crystal clear: the old rules are changing -- and the people will not be ignored. In the final phases of last year's election, I often reminded folks, "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a fight," and it's especially true today. But that's okay -- we're not afraid of a fight. And as you continue to prove, when all of us work together, we have what it takes to win. Please donate to OFA's campaign to win this fight and ensure that real health reform reaches my desk by the end of this year.Let's keep making history, President Barack Obama
This evening, at 11:15 p.m., the House of Representatives voted to pass their health insurance reform bill. Despite countless attempts over nearly a century, no chamber of Congress has ever before passed comprehensive health reform. This is history. But you and millions of your fellow Organizing for America supporters didn't just witness history tonight -- you helped make it. Each "yes" vote was a brave stand, backed up by countless hours of knocking on doors, outreach in town halls and town squares, millions of signatures, and hundreds of thousands of calls. You stood up. You spoke up. And you were heard. So this is a night to celebrate -- but not to rest. Those who voted for reform deserve our thanks, and the next phase of this fight has already begun. The final Senate bill hasn't even been released yet, but the insurance companies are already pressing hard for a filibuster to bury it. OFA has built a massive neighborhood-by-neighborhood operation to bring people's voices to Congress, and tonight we saw the results. But the coming days will put our efforts to the ultimate test. Winning will require each of us to give everything we can, starting right now. Can you donate $25 or whatever you can afford so we can finish this fight? Tonight's vote brought every American closer to the secure, affordable care we need. But it was also a watershed moment in how change is made. Even after last year's election, many insider lobbyists and partisan operatives really thought that the old formula of scare tactics, D.C. back-scratching and special-interest money would still be enough to block any idea they didn't like. Now, they're desperate. Because, tonight, you made it crystal clear: the old rules are changing -- and the people will not be ignored. In the final phases of last year's election, I often reminded folks, "Don't think for a minute that power concedes without a fight," and it's especially true today. But that's okay -- we're not afraid of a fight. And as you continue to prove, when all of us work together, we have what it takes to win. Please donate to OFA's campaign to win this fight and ensure that real health reform reaches my desk by the end of this year.
Let's keep making history, President Barack Obama
Shortly after the House of Representatives concluded tonight's vote on health insurance reform, President Obama released the following statement:
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.
Shortly after meeting with House Democrats on Capitol Hill in advance of the health reform vote, President Obama delivered the following remarks from the ground of the White House:
Good afternoon, everybody. I just want to say a few words about the landmark vote that the House of Representatives is poised to take today -- a vote that can bring us one step closer to making real the promise of quality, affordable health care for the American people.For the better part of a year now, members of the House and the Senate have been working diligently and constructively to craft legislation that will benefit millions of American families and millions of American businesses who urgently need it. For the first time ever, they've passed bills through every single committee responsible for reform. They've brought us closer than we have ever been to passing health insurance reform on behalf of the American people.Now is the time to finish the job. The bill that the House has produced will provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality, affordable options for those who don't; and lower costs for American families and American businesses. And as I've insisted from the beginning, it is a bill that is fully paid for and will actually reduce our long-term federal deficit.This bill is change that the American people urgently need. Don't just take my word for it. Consider the national groups who've come out in support of this bill on behalf of their members: The Consumers Union supports it because it will create -- and I quote -- "a more secure, affordable health care system for the American people." The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association support it on behalf of doctors and nurses and medical professionals who know firsthand what's broken in our current system, and who see what happens when their patients can't get the care they need because of insurance industry bureaucracies.The National Farmers Union supports this bill because it will control costs for farmers and ranchers, and address the unique challenges rural Americans face when it comes to receiving quality care.And the AARP supports it because it will achieve the goal for which the AARP has been fighting for decades -- reducing the cost of health care, expanding coverage for America's seniors, and strengthening Medicare for the long haul.Now, no bill can ever contain everything that everybody wants, or please every constituency and every district. That's an impossible task. But what is possible, what's in our grasp right now is the chance to prevent a future where every day 14,000 Americans continue to lose their health insurance, and every year 18,000 Americans die because they don't have it; a future where crushing costs keep small businesses from succeeding and big businesses from competing in the global economy; a future where countless dreams are deferred or scaled back because of a broken system we could have fixed when we had the chance.What we can do right now is choose a better future and pass a bill that brings us to the very cusp of building what so many generations of Americans have sought to build -- a better health care system for this country.Millions of Americans are watching right now. Their families and their businesses are counting on us. After all, this is why they sent us here, to finally confront the challenges that Washington had been putting off for decades -- to make their lives better, to leave this country stronger than we found it. I just came from the Hill where I talked to the members of Congress there, and I reminded them that opportunities like this come around maybe once in a generation. Most public servants pass through their entire careers without a chance to make as important a difference in the lives of their constituents and the life of this country. This is their moment, this is our moment, to live up to the trust that the American people have placed in us -- even when it's hard; especially when it's hard. This is our moment to deliver.I urge members of Congress to rise to this moment. Answer the call of history, and vote yes for health insurance reform for America.
There are only a few hours left to contact your representative before the vote and add your voice to the President's call.
An update from President Obama:
There are only a few hours left to contact your representative before the historic House vote on health reform.
The deadline to vote on your favorite videos in the OFA Health Reform Video Challenge is tonight at midnight. The winning video will air as part of a national television ad buy as we enter the final stages of the health reform fight:
This is it -- the House of Representatives will vote on health insurance reform tomorrow. All signs point to it being incredibly close, possibly even coming down to a single vote. With the clock ticking, insurance company lobbyists are going all out to stop reform. Please call your represenative now. President Obama is visiting the House tomorrow to call for reform, and I hope you'll add your voice to his right away. If you haven't called before, now is the time. And if you have recently called, thank you -- now please ask friends, family members, and co-workers in your district to join you. http://my.barackobama.com/HouseVote Everything we're fighting for comes down to moments like this -- and every second counts. Thanks for stepping up, Mitch
A special message from Obama for America Campaign Manager David Plouffe:
One year ago today, you made history. We all knew that electing Barack Obama President was only the opportunity to bring about change; that we would all have to keep working to fulfill the promise our victory offered. And you've come through -- by making hundreds of thousands of calls to Congress to push health reform forward, by pouring your effort into seemingly insurmountable challenges time and again, and, since January, by building on the power of our campaign to create Organizing for America. And now, with the finish line on health reform in sight, we need your voice more than ever before. To mark this special day, President Obama just recorded a video for supporters like you -- please watch his message, and sign up to join OFA in your community today.Thank you so much for fighting so hard and giving so much to make the promise of a stronger, more just and prosperous America in the years ahead a reality: http://my.barackobama.com/Year My best, David Plouffe
One year ago today, you made history. We all knew that electing Barack Obama President was only the opportunity to bring about change; that we would all have to keep working to fulfill the promise our victory offered. And you've come through -- by making hundreds of thousands of calls to Congress to push health reform forward, by pouring your effort into seemingly insurmountable challenges time and again, and, since January, by building on the power of our campaign to create Organizing for America. And now, with the finish line on health reform in sight, we need your voice more than ever before. To mark this special day, President Obama just recorded a video for supporters like you -- please watch his message, and sign up to join OFA in your community today.
Thank you so much for fighting so hard and giving so much to make the promise of a stronger, more just and prosperous America in the years ahead a reality: http://my.barackobama.com/Year My best, David Plouffe
UPDATED (8:00 p.m.) Polls are now closed in Virginia and in New Jersey, but voting is still underway in New York and other places across the country.
Click here to call voters in New York's 23rd District.
UPDATED (7:00 p.m.) Polls in Virginia are now closed, but voting is still underway in New Jersey and New York, as well as other races across the country.
Polls in Virginia close at 7:00 p.m. Eastern; polls in New Jersey close at 8:00 p.m. Eastern and polls in New York close at 9:00 p.m. Eastern.
We've only got a few hours left to make as much of an impact as possible. No matter where you are, you can help out in the final stretch by making GOTV calls from home:
Click here to call voters in Virginia. (polls are now closed)
Click here to call voters in New Jersey. (polls are now closed)
