What do Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) all have in common? They all caucus with the Democratic party, but they alone could decide whether the Senate gets to vote on health care reform!
Sen. Lieberman claims that "to put a government-created, government-run insurance company on top of [health care reform] is just too much, even with a state opt-out." Sen. Landrieu said she opposes the public option. Period.
The future of health care in America is too important - the cause, too great - to deny the full Senate a chance to vote. Americans voted in record-breaking numbers in 2008, and we elected a President who's promise of change rested on a simple, singular anthem: YES WE CAN. As we approach the anniversary of President Obama's election, we're on the verge of winning health insurance reform that demonstrates that "Yes We Can" is alive and well. As SEIU President Andy Stern said today, the House bill proves that:
"Yes we can provide quality health insurance that is affordable to 96 percent of the nation."Yes we can have a strong public option that drives costs down and gives people the power to choose what is best for their family.
"Yes we can hold insurance companies accountable and make sure they can never deny someone care because of an alleged 'pre-existing condition' such as a C-Section or pregnancy or rape.
"Yes we can all share responsibility - individuals, businesses, and government - where employers offer and contribute to meaningful coverage for their employees.
"And yes, we can pay for it - not adding a single dime to our country's deficit. What's more is that we can do it responsibly so as not to add another burden to working Americans.
That's why we're launching a campaign today that mobilizes an entire nation of health care voters to make sure that the Senate, after months of work, does actually vote on health insurance reform. While we all may not live in Louisiana, Nebraska, Arkansas or Connecticut, we can still reach out to voters who do live in those states and encourage them to contact their Senators.
To join our campaign, simply choose a team below and help us reach out to the constituents of these four Senators:
After picking your state, be sure to stay tuned to our blog for updates on the four teams' progress, as well as the progress of health care reform legislation through the House and Senate.
