There was only one speaker at Sen. Harry Reid's press conference today who was NOT a member of the U.S. Senate. Her name? Loretta Johnson, a home health care worker who lost her own coverage when her husband became ill, and Loretta was forced to quit her job.

Loretta is an SEIU member who worked for 18 years as a deputy courthouse clerk in Lebanon, Virginia. When her husband fell ill, Loretta quit her job to take care of him, and subsequently lost their health insurance, income, retirement, security, sick days and more. Today, as a personal care assistant, Loretta works to build the Personal Care Assistant Association in Virginia. While she brings home a paycheck, she still doesn't have health insurance or benefits of any kind.

Below are Loretta's remarks at today's Senate health care bill unveiling:

My husband had open heart surgery and was diabetic. And in 2000, he was so sick I had to quit my job to take care of him. So, I lost my health insurance. After he passed away, I became a home health care worker. I'm at the bedside every day giving people the same type of care I gave my husband. But, I don't have health insurance.

And that is why I am so proud to be standing here today representing SEIU and its 2.1 million workers.

Because, after more than 100 years of debate, Senator Reid said, "Enough". Enough scare tactics. Enough politics as usual.

The Senate's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act puts us one step closer to health care that works for every American.

Because of his leadership, insurance companies will no longer control our healthcare system - making sure people like me actually have a choice.

Now, in my opinion, there's probably some room for improvement. But I know, Senator Reid and the Senators standing here today are as committed as we are to making sure people can afford the care they need.

And believe me, I'll be up here to make sure every one of these Senators does just that.

Stand with Loretta in holding the Senate accountable on health insurance reform. Get started by adopting one of our health care "swing states" (CT, NE, LA, AR), to make sure that after months of hard work, Congress finally gets to vote on health insurance reform.

Watch full video from today's press conference with Loretta here.

You can also see Loretta Johnson at SeniorstoSeniors.org.

There was only one speaker at Sen. Harry Reid's press conference today who was NOT a member of the U.S. Senate. Her name? Loretta Johnson, a home health care worker who lost her own coverage when her husband became ill, and Loretta was forced to quit her job.

Loretta is an SEIU member who worked for 18 years as a deputy courthouse clerk in Lebanon, Virginia. When her husband fell ill, Loretta quit her job to take care of him, and subsequently lost their health insurance, income, retirement, security, sick days and more. Today, as a personal care assistant, Loretta works to build the Personal Care Assistant Association in Virginia. While she brings home a paycheck, she still doesn't have health insurance or benefits of any kind.

Below are Loretta's remarks at today's Senate health care bill unveiling:

My husband had open heart surgery and was diabetic. And in 2000, he was so sick I had to quit my job to take care of him. So, I lost my health insurance. After he passed away, I became a home health care worker. I'm at the bedside every day giving people the same type of care I gave my husband. But, I don't have health insurance.

And that is why I am so proud to be standing here today representing SEIU and its 2.1 million workers.

Because, after more than 100 years of debate, Senator Reid said, "Enough". Enough scare tactics. Enough politics as usual.

The Senate's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act puts us one step closer to health care that works for every American.

Because of his leadership, insurance companies will no longer control our healthcare system - making sure people like me actually have a choice.

Now, in my opinion, there's probably some room for improvement. But I know, Senator Reid and the Senators standing here today are as committed as we are to making sure people can afford the care they need.

And believe me, I'll be up here to make sure every one of these Senators does just that.

Stand with Loretta in holding the Senate accountable on health insurance reform. Get started by adopting one of our health care "swing states" (CT, NE, LA, AR), to make sure that after months of hard work, Congress finally gets to vote on health insurance reform.

Watch Loretta speak here:

You can also see Loretta Johnson at SeniorstoSeniors.org

Today, at 12pm, Sen. Harry Reid will publicly unveil the Senate health care bill. Reid's announcement is preceded by promising news for Democrats and health care reform supporters. The first breakthrough came on Wednesday, when news leaked that the CBO had scored the Senate bill - and it kept costs down, covered 94% of Americans, and made health care more affordable.

The health care bill also reduces the federal deficit by $130 billion over the next ten years, which is unheard of in legislation of this kind.

Sen. Reid seemed downright jubilant, as he strode out in front of the press Wednesday evening. "Of all the bills we've seen, it'll be the best."

"Tonight begins the last leg of this journey," Sen. Reid beamed.

Meanwhile, key Senate Democrats have indicated a willingness to move forward on this legislation. Sen. Mary Landrieu, who is one our targets in the "adopt-a-state" campaign, said she'll decide today on how she'll vote on motion to proceed (the next step in moving this legislation forward.) Sen. Ben Nelson, another target, is also unclear on how he'll vote. Keep up the pressure on these key Democrats (as well as Sen. Joe Lieberman), by adopting a state.

SEIU President Andy Stern, acknowledging the months of hard work by Senators on key committees and by Majority Leader Reid, said that the Senate "has introduced their own legislation that gets us one step closer to health care that works for the American people's bottom line, instead of insurance company profits." Even more encouraging, "Senator Reid listened to the American people and made sure this bill keeps insurance companies from controlling our health care system by guaranteeing choice and accountability through a public health care option."

The vote for motion to proceed could come as early as this Friday or Saturday. As Stern said today, "The American people expect and deserve results. It's up to the Senate to deliver."

Read the full text of the bill here.

Moments ago, the House gaveled in a vote on health care reform. The vote was 220 to 215, with only a single Republican brave enough to break with his party's blockade. Today, we conquered the special interests of "No We Can't," and won a victory for our country.

Click here to see how your Representative voted, and write them.

The day was not without drama, however. It began with a series of attempts by House Republicans to obstruct debate. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) shouted, "I OBJECT, I OBJECT, I OBJECT" while Democratic Congresswomen attempted to speak on gender discrimination by insurers.

The day was also not without zany antics. Rep. John Shadegg (R-AZ) held up a baby, and pretended to speak as the baby on the House floor. (We're not kidding!) At many points during the debate, it seemed like we'd never reach a point where Congress would actually vote on health reform.

But we did it - you did it. You made thousands of phone calls to Congress, sent millions of emails and petition signatures, talked to neighbors, family members and friends about getting involved, and rallied in your communities. We couldn't have come this far without everyday Americans stepping forward, speaking out, and refusing to let the status quo remain in Washington.

Celebrate tonight the passage of H.R. 3962, "The Affordable Health Care for America Act," by thanking (or admonishing) your Representative for their vote on health insurance reform. We've come this far - and we're going the whole way.

For those of you who made whip calls this week - we are especially grateful. Our legislative team used your reporting to guide their strategy on calling various Congressional offices. Read a selection of great report-backs we used on Capitol Hill. There's no doubt that your calls helped convince key Democrats in Congress to vote for health care reform.

Stay with us in the weeks ahead, as we work to win votes in the U.S. Senate through our "adopt-a-state" campaign. Congratulations!

The House began debating H.R. 3962, "The Affordable Health Care for America Act," a little before 11am today. If you were watching C-SPAN, you might be wondering if it's normal for members of Congress to show such disrespect to one another by repeatedly shouting "I OBJECT" over their colleagues. You might also be wondering why Republican Congressmen are so adamantly opposed to allowing women in Congress to speak about gender discrimination in health care.

At this time, the House is engaged in determining the rules governing the debate. It was originally predicted by the Washington Post to be voted on between 10 and 11 a.m., but Republicans have risen to interrupt several Democratic Congresswomen before the Chair.

These women in Congress have risen to insert into the record a brief statement about women's health care issues - ranging from discrimination by health insurers to breast cancer research and treatment - but Republicans in Congress, like Rep. Tom Price, have repeatedly interrupted by shouting "I OBJECT, I OBJECT, I OBJECT," over their women colleagues. You really have to watch it to believe it:

Rep. Lois Capps and other women in Congress were rising to speak on issues that impact millions of American women - and how "The Affordable Health Care for America Act" will address these issues.

Today's GOP behavior follows a longer narrative of Republican disinterest in addressing gender discrimination in health care, including Sen. Kyl's remarks on why insurers shouldn't have to cover maternity care, and the introduction of the House GOP health care bill - which doesn't contain a single mention of "women" in its pages (aside from language on abortion).

Special note: when House Republicans stood up to insert their own remarks to the record, not a single Democrat objected.

Thousands of activists have been whipping votes in Congress today in preparation for tomorrow's scheduled vote on health insurance reform. You've contacted 272 members of the U.S. House, but many still haven't gone on the record, and 163 members still need to be called. Have you whipped your Representative's vote yet? Whip your health care vote here: http://action.seiu.org/whip

Our legislative team is using your reports on the Hill, so keep them coming. Below are just a few of the helpful report-backs from callers:

Caller to Rep. Tim Ryan's office: At first he wouldn't tell me but once I pushed him a little he told me Congressman Ryan would vote "likely in favor of" the health care bill.

Caller to Rep. Jerry Moran's office: He does NOT support HR3962. I requested that the Congressman do some soul searching considering my insurance premiums increased by 20% last year and I can NO longer justify the extreme cost of health insurance.

Caller to Rep. Ben Chandler's office: She stated that the representative has not made a final decision however he is leaning towards no.

Caller to Rep. Betsy Markey's office: He said she had not made a decision at this time and as she was continuing to read the very long and important bill. I encouraged support several times. Sam says there have been many phone calls and that is why I got a busy signal on my earlier calls.

Caller to Rep. Kurt Schrader's office: The Congressman is still undecided until he reads through all of the legislation and looks over constituent feedback, including this call.

Caller to Rep. Tom Perriello's office: The Congressman is still undecided as he is still studying the changes from this past summer. I said I hoped he was not swayed by the Chamber of Commerce scare ads and reminded him it is his constituents who put him there.

Caller to Rep. John Boccieri's office: The Congressman is still reviewing information; told [the staff aide] that I work with many people who need a health care system without discrimination for pre-existing conditions or women's health care concerns.

Caller to Rep. Marcy Kaptur's office: He said Marcy was still reviewing the bill and that he would pass on any message. I asked him to please tell her to pass H.R. 3962 and that I hoped with all my heart that it has a strong public option.

Caller to Rep. Richard Neal's office: He actually said that Neal was leaning towards a yes vote. He said he wants to see what's in the bill.

Now it's your turn.

There's an old saying that goes, 'We make the road by walking.' Today, even in the face of historic opposition to change, there's no question that Barack Obama and the pro-worker members of Congress we elected last November are taking the steps towards real change with working families at their side.

Last November, we made history by electing Barack Obama. Over the past year, the change we've dreamt of for so long is becoming reality. Together, we saved the global economy from depression, made significant investments in green jobs, and have gotten further than at any other point in our history to winning affordable healthcare for all. Clearly, there is much more to be done. Because as we all know, real change is never achieved quickly--or without a fight.

But on this momentous anniversary of Barack's election, we're going on focus on the positive (as in, the glass is half-full instead of half-empty) and run down a laundry list of progress we're proud has been made over the past year:

• Make law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has been responsible for creating or saving 650,000 jobs;
• Sign into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act;
• Pass a budget that includes a historic commitment to health insurance reform, and work with Congress to ensure that comprehensive reform passes in 2009;
• Appoint cabinet secretaries that working families can count on, including Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and HHS Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius;
• Provide a pathway to legal status for young people who were brought to the U.S. as undocumented immigrant children through the DREAM Act;
• Pass a sweeping expansion of the Children's Health Insurance Program, which provides healthcare coverage to an additional 4 million children of working families;
• Create a Middle Class Task Force and a Presidential Economic Recovery Advisory Board, and allow working families representatives like Anna Burger on it;
• Create a Consumer Financial Protection Agency, to protect consumers from the unfair practices of our largest financial institutions.

"Along with the policy shifts we are witnessing, there is a change in culture as well," said SEIU President Andy Stern. "When Jordan Barab, the new Assistant Secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, took office, he replaced the conference room photos of OSHA managers with photos of workers who've been killed on the job. How's that for a change in attitude?"

Check out the video our healthcare team put together to celebrate this moment:

A version of the Republican health care bill was leaked today, and it's underwhelming, to say the least. For starters, the draft bill completely ignores women's health care issues. In fact, there is not a single mention of "women" in the entire bill (and "woman" appears just once, in a passage about - surprise! - abortion). By comparison, The Affordable Health Care for America Act introduced by House Democrats has 101 mentions of "women" on 37 separate pages.

What are we supposed to think about all this? Are Republicans betting that insurance companies will fix the gender gap on their own? Will they magically start covering maternity care? Will they voluntarily stop treating rape and domestic violence as pre-existing conditions? Here are just a few other glaring omissions in this draft version of the GOP bill:

• Allows insurers to deny coverage due to "pre-existing conditions" (which, we've recently learned, range from underweight babies to rape and domestic violence victims)


• Allows insurers to withhold maternity coverage and follow-up visits for the baby's health


• Allows insurers to require limitless out-of-pocket costs, which have already resulted in sending millions of Americans into medical bankruptcy


• Allows insurers to continue the practice of "gender rating," whereby insurers often arbitrarily charge women up to 48% more than men for the same policies

Just yesterday the White House released a list of visitors this year and SEIU President Andy Stern topped the list with more than twenty trips since January.

Coming off an eight-year period when the voice of workers fell on deaf ears, the list demonstrates the White House desire to hear from working people.

The Washington Post notes several visits came during the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act debate.

Talking Points Memo sums it up nicely:

It makes sense that Stern would be a popular guest -- beyond leading a group key to the Democratic base, Stern's SEIU has been a leading voice on behalf of health care reform.

Andy Stern has tweeted about some of his White House visits, and you can follow him here.

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:

• Team Arkansas (Blanche Lincoln)
• Team Connecticut (Joe Lieberman)
• Team Louisiana (Mary Landrieu)
• Team Nebraska (Ben Nelson)

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.

There are a lot of questions about whether or not a "cloture vote" in the Senate is actually a measure of a Senator's position one way or another on a piece of legislation. According to Senate.gov, a cloture vote does nothing more than to "limit consideration of a bill or other matter, and thereby overcome a filibuster."

So, in short, a vote for cloture means the Senator is ready to get onto the business of actually voting for or against amendments and / or final passage. For a long time, Republicans like to call this giving a bill, or a judge, "an up or down vote."

We learned yesterday with Joe Lieberman that sometimes Senators will vote for cloture and against final passage of a bill. It's not uncommon.

Even Evan Bayh, who said earlier today he doesn't see "much difference between process and policy at this particular juncture" hasn't always voted the same way on cloture as on final passage. Here are a few quick examples:

Example 1: In 2008, Evan Bayh voted in favor of a cloture motion on the bill to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, though he opposed the bill itself. "Bayh voted with most Democrats to stop the filibuster because, he said, it was preventing amendments that could have improved the bill."[Gannett, 6/12/2008; Vote 145, 6/6/2008]

Example 2: In 2005, Senator Bayh voted for cloture on Judge Owen's nomiation, but against final confirmation. Vote 127, 5/24/05: Senate.gov ; Vote 128, 5/25/05: Senate.gov. Judge Owen, you might recall, was the first nominee to reach the floor after the "Gang of 14" agreements.

Example 3: In 2004, Senator Bayh voted for cloture on the conference report to H.R. 1047, a $388 billion spending bill, then voted against final passage the next day. Vote 214, 11/19/04 ; Vote 215, 11/20/04

So, in short, when Senators take to the floor and vote for "cloture," they are saying that it is time to move beyond obstructing a health care bill and on to an "up or down vote" on the substance of the legislation.

Thousands of people have taken a ticket for gender equity in health care. (We're currently at 2,689 people in line.)

Want to play an even bigger role in fighting insurance company discrimination against women?

We rigged our toll-free phone line to direct calls to male members of Congress. That's right - the men in Congress need to hear from us about how women are routinely discriminated against by insurance companies. Let's educate them on what women are facing every day: higher premiums, less coverage, and battles with insurers over "pre-existing conditions" like pregnancy and c-sections.

Call 1-866-311-3405 and tell them it's time to deliver on health insurance reform.

Let's educate male members of Congress on how women are unfairly discriminated against by health insurers. Call toll-free at 1-866-311-3405. Use this form to report back on your conversation.

If you happen to live in a district that is represented by women in both the House and Senate, we'll patch you through to the Capitol Switchboard, where we recommend you contact the Minority Leader in the House or Senate. Call 1-866-311-3405 and report-back.

We already knew that nearly 50 percent of workers who get sick are forced to choose between their health and their paycheck. For low-income workers, 76 percent find themselves without something many of us take for granted:--the right to a "sick day."

For millions of workers, losing a day's wages if they stay home sick is not even the worst-case scenario. Because as New York Times columnist Jim Dyer reminds us, many workers are actually forced to choose between their health and their job. Factory worker Alda Valdez, a mother of four, was fired for catching a cold:

"I asked the boss for permission to go to the hospital. She said, 'It's fine, go - but you don't have a job anymore.' "

If passed, the Paid Sick Days bill introduced August 20 by Councilwoman Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan) would vastly improve the lives of 1.2 million workers in New York by requiring all businesses in New York City to provide their employees between five and nine paid sick days (depending on the size of the business). With support from healthcare oranizations and unions including1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and SEIU 32BJ, Intro 1059 faces opposition from business groups such business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who argue that added costs might force some businesses to cut back on hiring.

The vast majority of Americans may not agree on much, but the importance of this healthcare issue is one issue Americans come together on. A nationwide poll conducted last year by the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center showed that a whopping 86 percent of Americans believe that employers should be required by law to provide paid sick days to workers.

Put things even more in perspective by reading the Jim Dwyer column in the NY Times: Health Care? Not if You Can't Leave Work to Get It.

HAARM, Healthy Americans Against Reforming Medicine, presents an alternate proposal for the health care crisis: a singing fish. This product is not actually going to be given away to those living within the United States. Or anywhere else.

Check out their website!

You emailed and called, and it looks like one lawmaker took notice. Rep. Diane Watson was so horrified to learn about the possibility of coverage denial to domestic violence victims that she both noted it in her written statement and included it as a large part of her questions to the insurance executives who testified before the Domestic Policy Subcommittee today.

In her opening statement, the Congresswoman writes:

I was especially horrified to learn that in 8 states and the District of Columbia, insurance companies include domestic violence as a pre-existing condition. With 20 to 35 percent of emergency room visits made by women a result of domestic violence I can see how this morally appalling practice makes sense for insurance companies trying to spend as little as possible. What I cannot understand is how we can consent to such practices continuing. The United States can and should do better.

She also chose to use some of her alloted question time to demand answers from insurance executives about this abhorant practice. She asked:

Question for All Panelists:
In eight states and the District of Columbia it is currently permissible for insurance companies to include domestic violence as a preexisting condition to deny coverage.
Q: How was the determination made to include domestic violence as a preexisting condition?
Q: How do you justify denying coverage to victims of such crimes when they need them the most, and then indefinitely thereafter?
Q: Without being legally obligated to do so would you commit today to permanently stopping this discriminatory practice?

While the Congresswoman was unfortunately not present to ask her questions in person, they are included as part of the record for the proceedings and all of the insurance executives who testified should be forced to answer them. Stay tuned to hear what they have to say!

As the health care debate unfurled over the past few months, we've seen the great lengths that insurance companies will go to in order to ensure that their profit margins remain high. In some cases, these companies have gone so far as to deny coverage to victims of domestic violence by classifying their experience as a "pre-existing condition." As more of these practices come to light, members of Congress are sitting up and taking notice.

Domestic Policy Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Dennis Kucinich has scheduled hearings this week to examine the toll insurance company profiteering practices take on regular people. Tomorrow and Thursday, his committee will hear testimony from victims of insurance companies, insurance company CEOs, health policy specialists and whistle-blower Wendell Potter, a former executive from CIGNA (you can see the full witness list here).

Executives from several insurance companies, including United Healthcare, WellPoint, Aetna, and CIGNA will be testifying before the subcommittee. In March 1995, the Boston Globe reported that, "Among the companies that deny or have canceled coverage to battered women are Nationwide, Allstate, State Farm, Aetna, Metropolitan Life, The Equitable Companies, First Colony Life, The Prudential and the Principal Financial Group, according to a congressional survey, investigations by women's groups, and written or verbal statements to the Globe by the firms themselves." Aetna later claimed it never denied anyone coverage due to a history of domestic violence.

Patricia Farrell, Senior Vice President of Account for Aetna, Inc., will be one of the insurance industry executives appearing before Rep. Kucinich.

Join us in asking Rep. Kucinich to publicly question the insurance industry on this practice, demanding that they disavow practices that discriminate against women and those who've been the victims of domestic violence.

Stay tuned tomorrow, when we'll bring you a report from the first day of the hearing!

* Read more about victims of domestic violence being denied coverage because of their "pre-existing condition" here and here.

Washington, D.C. - SEIU Secretary-Treasurer Anna Burger released the following statement on Iowa Senator Tom Harkin assuming the gavel of the Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee.

"America's working families have learned to count on Senator Harkin to stand up and fight for the issues that will help to ensure the American Dream is alive and well for their children and grandchildren. As the son of a coal miner, Senator Harkin understands how Congress and organized labor can work together to pass legislation that ensures quality and affordable health care, a fair economy, a safe workplace and a secure retirement.

"Senator Harkin has made the concerns of working Americans a priority throughout his Senate career and SEIU's 2.1 million members look forward to working with him to finally pass health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act, fix our broken immigration system and the many other critical pieces of legislation he will help lead through as the HELP Committee chair."

Last month, members of Congress returned to their home districts to discuss health care reform with their constituents. Unfortunately, many of them were met by individuals intent of finding out why they supported socialized medicine, wanted to "pull the plug on grandma," and believed that we should ration care. Faced with such blatant misinformation coming from an often hostile audience, several members of Congress rose to the occasion, debunked the lies and ran their town hall meetings in a calm and collected manner.

Check out some of our greatest healthcare town hall hits here, and then be sure to vote below!

CA Rep tells tea partiers "Don't try it with Maxine Waters"

Barney Frank refuses to argue with "a dining room table"

Rep. Joe Donnelly tells the truth about health care

Rep. Loebsack appalled by acne as "pre-existing condition"

Congressmen Ross and Snyder join forces to fight lies about reform

Sen. McCaskill asks who wants to get rid of Medicare

Now that you've had a chance to relive all these town hall moments that took place during the month of August, tell us which one is your favorite! Vote now:

During his long career, Sen. Kennedy distinguished himself as a staunch supporter of nurses and healthcare workers around the country. On Wednesday, as the nation mourned the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy, nurses from Local 1199 at Prince George's Hospital Center in Maryland took a moment out of their day to reflect on the Senator's legacy.

The PGHC nurses expressed both their sadness over the Senator's death, but also the need to carry on his dream and renew our efforts in fighting for what Kennedy called the "cause of my life": healthcare reform.

Iowa's senior senator Charles Grassley is rapidly becoming the Republican Party's chief obstructionist in the health care debate. The ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee is going on the offensive against President Obama and members of Congress who support comprehensive reform. In a conference call Tuesday, Senator Grassley told Iowa reporters, "I don't think it's going to be possible to work it out with the administration because they're all over the field - all over the ball park."

This latest statement demonstrates the level of partisanship our senior senator has brought to the current health care debate. If anyone is "all over the field"- it's Senator Grassley. Here are just a few examples:

In a statement last week, Senator Grassley's spokesperson accused Iowa Congressman Bruce Braley of putting his "party duties as Vice Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee ahead of Iowans." In fact, Congressman Braley fought his political party's leadership to secure more equitable reimbursement rates for Iowa regarding public health insurance plans. Due to Congressman Braley's work, Iowa health care providers will finally be compensated fairly for their work.

Senator Grassley, on the other hand, admitted to putting his party duties ahead of Iowans. Days before his attack on Congressman Braley he told reporter Chuck Todd (NBC), "I'm negotiating for Republicans." Todd asked the Senator if he gets what he wants from negotiations, if he'd be willing to be one of 3 or 4 Republicans who vote yes for reform. Senator Grassley said, "Absolutely not. And I told the President that a week ago Thursday and I told [committee chairman] Max Baucus that over a period of three or four months....In fact, let me build on what you said, and why I say that I wouldn't be. I'm negotiating for Republicans."

Lies on healthcare for seniors: At an August town hall meeting in Winterset, Senator Grassley told constituents, "you have every right to fear," when asked about the end-of-life planning provisions in House Resolution 3200. He later added that, "we should not have a government program that determines you're going to pull the plug on grandma."

And on August 23rd when Senator Grassley was asked by reporter Bob Schieffer (CBS 'Face the Nation'), "you're not saying that this legislation (H.R. 3200) would pull the plug on grandma?" Senator Grassley admitted, "I know the Pelosi bill doesn't intend to do that," adding later, "It won't do that."

Senator Grassley can't even agree with...himself: The clearest indication that Senator Grassley is "all over the field" is the manner in which he closed his Tuesday conference call with Iowa reporters. Not 30 seconds after saying, "I don't think it's going to be possible to work it out with the administration," Grassley stepped back to say, "But, yes, I do believe it's possible to reach an agreement."

"The whole nation is holding their breath, waiting to see what proposals Senator Grassley's committee will produce. Yet his recent comments make it unclear whether the Senator truly plans to be a part of these negotiations. There is just no telling what he'll say next," SEIU Local 199 President Cathy Glasson said. "Senator Grassley could be a champion for the majority of Iowans and Americans - those who want to see a comprehensive health insurance reform bill passed. Right now, it seems he's more interested in being the champion of Republicans in Washington looking to play politics with our health care."