WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Representative Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) voted to send the President landmark legislation to reform our nation’s health care system. Rep. Fudge issued the following upon passage of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010: 

"Today I voted for my constituents. My constituents in Ohio have spoken. Ohioans, and all Americans, want affordable, accessible, and accountable health care and they want it now. Ohioans told me: " Now is the time to stand for change. Now is the moment to fight for quality care. I was proud to respond to them by voting for health care reform.

"I voted for Vera-- a former nurse who lost her health insurance after a divorce, despite a lifetime of caring for others. She has over ninety thousand dollars in medical debt, as a result of her 3 strokes.

 "I voted for 'Mary’s' mom, who had to face cancer without health coverage. 'Mary’s' mom died in her daughter's arms in pain and without medication because she had no insurance.

"I voted for the father in my District, who is forced to choose between maintaining his child's health insurance or meeting his monthly bills. He shouldn't have to choose between treating his son's sickle cell disease and putting food on the table.

"I voted for the small businesses who truly want to provide their employees with coverage, and for the future entrepreneur who is scared to launch her big idea, because it would mean being uninsured.

"I voted for unborn children, and for single parents. I voted for seniors and for foster youth. I voted for small business owners and those with pre-existing conditions. In short, I voted as if I didn't have health care insurance myself.

"I voted for health care reform, so that I can hold my head high, look my neighbors in the eye and tell them: 'I voted for you.'"

The House-passed improvements to the Senate bill will be approved by the Senate in the coming days, building on this reform to further improve affordability for the middle class, and ensure that the prescription drug “donut hole” is fully closed to lower costs for seniors.