Obama statement on health care legislation

President Barack Obama's remarks Saturday at the White House on health care legislation: 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."