"Our members recognize there are many economic challenges that face our country. We believe there is now a once in a lifetime chance to finally address a strategic economic challenge that has been unsolved for too long and that is to solve our health care crisis," stated SEIU President Andy Stern at Wednesday's hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

Pointing to the combined impact of the health care and economic crises on the lives of working families nationwide, Stern called on President-Elect Barack Obama and key leaders in Washington to work together to address the nation's ailing health care system in the short-term, saying, "This is an American problem. The time has come...it is within our reach."

Watch him address the Senate Committee on Finance: