“Today, we honor those Americans who have served throughout our nation's history – from the wars on our own shores to the beachheads of Europe, from the rice fields of Southeast Asia to the deserts of the Middle East, and from across the world's oceans and seas to those who serve stateside - and take the time to thank them for their unflinching courage and service.

“In the wake of the tragedy at Fort Hood, and as we work to wind down our operations in Iraq and determine the way forward in Afghanistan, renewing our promise to America’s veterans is just as important as ever – not just today, but every day.

“Providing for our veterans is critical, not only because we have a moral obligation to recognize those who have sacrificed on our behalf, but because our servicemen and women are a tremendous resource who can help lead the way as we continue our pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

“President Obama and our Democratic Congress have demonstrated a strong commitment to our country’s veterans, taking several steps in just the last 10 months to expand economic opportunity, strengthen veterans’ health care services, and improve benefits for our troops and military families. Through the post 9/11 G.I. Bill – the most generous education benefit since the original G.I. Bill of 1944 – more than 250,000 veterans will attend college in just the next two years. President Obama and Congress have worked to strengthen the VA health care system by transforming it into a 21st century organization that prioritizes community-based services, promotes prevention and takes on the injuries unique to modern warfare, including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. And President Obama requested, and Congressional Democrats approved, a 16 percent increase in the 2010 budget for the Department of Veterans affairs, the largest one-year increase in 30 years.

“Veterans and their families are the only ones who can fully understand the toll of their sacrifice. But we can, through our every day actions, do our best to see that they receive the very best service, care and respect from their country. Today we thank our brave men and women for heeding the call to duty, and we honor their selfless service.”

November 7, 2009

Contact: DNC Press (202) 863-8148

Organizing for America Will Hold ‘Thank You’ Activities for the US House’s Support of Health Insurance Reform

OFA and Supporters of Reform Will Hold Thank You Activities Across The Country to Thank Representatives for Support of Health Insurance Reform

Washington – The House of Representatives passed landmark health reform legislation on Saturday, marking a milestone in the effort to pass comprehensive reform this year. As representatives return to their districts, Organizing for America (OFA) volunteers will be hosting “thank you” activities to thank their Representatives for supporting health insurance reform.

“We still have some work to do, but today we are closer to reform than ever before,” said OFA Director Mitch Stewart, “and that is thanks in no-small part to the tireless work and commitment of our Democratic leaders in Congress. Over the next several days, OFA volunteers will be organizing and participating in various thank you activities in an effort to communicate a very simple message: thank you. As we move into this final phase of debate, we want our representatives in Congress to know that they have the wind at their backs.”

The House bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, would extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion over ten years. It achieves the goals President Obama articulated during his address to a Joint Session of Congress in September. It will provide more security and stability to people who have insurance; provide more quality, affordable options to those who don’t; and lower the costs of care for American families and businesses. It would end some of the insurance industry’s worst practices, like denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or canceling someone’s coverage when they get sick.

Organizing for America, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee, is committed to supporting President Obama’s agenda for change. Over 2 million people have taken action as part of OFA’s health reform campaign. Since June 6, OFA has held 20,000 events in all 50 states and every congressional district encouraging support for President Obama's health insurance reform plan. On October 20, OFA helped to generate more than 315,000 calls to Congress in a single day, more than three times the initial goal.

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November 7, 2009

Contact: DNC Press 202-863-8148

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Praising the House of Representative’s Historic Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform

WASHINGTON – Tonight the House of Representatives passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act, landmark health reform legislation that will ensure every American has access to quality, affordable, stable and secure health care coverage. The legislation, which cracks down on some of the insurance industry’s worst practices, would extend coverage to 36 million Americans and cut the deficit by $104 billion over ten years. Groups representing doctors and farmers, seniors, consumers, and cancer patients have endorsed the bill. It passed the House with only one Republican vote in support of the measure.

“This day has been a long time coming. Teddy Roosevelt first called for health reform nearly 100 years ago, but today – in the face of furious lobbying by the insurance industry and nearly unanimous opposition from Republicans – House Democrats accomplished something no other Congress has been able to do: pass comprehensive health reform legislation. I want to thank President Obama for his extraordinary leadership on this issue, and extend my congratulations to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairmen Waxman, Miller and Rangel, Congressman Clyburn and countless others in the U.S. House of Representatives for taking this historic step.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will provide more security and stability to people who already have insurance by enacting much needed reforms to the insurance industry. No longer will an insurance company be able to deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. The Act will provide more quality, affordable choices for the millions of Americans who are uninsured. And the bill will bring down the high costs of care, for American families and businesses, while lowering our deficit.

“This historic day would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of Organizing for America (OFA) in rallying the public to see through Republican scare-tactics and lies and energizing them behind the cause of our generation – meaningful health insurance reform. In total, more than 2 million people participated in OFA’s grassroots campaign for reform by signing pledges, sharing their personal stories and hosting and attending one of the thousands of local events in all 50 states and all 435 Congressional Districts. In the final week of August and the first week of September alone over 110,000 people attended a pro-reform event providing the necessary momentum that made possible this monumental achievement.

“Americans from all walks of life have endorsed this legislation. The AARP endorsed the bill because they believe it will reduce health care costs and expand coverage for older Americans. The American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association have lent their support because they believe it will help to fix the problems in our broken system and strengthen the doctor-patient relationship. The Consumers Union endorsed the bill because they believe it will create a more secure, affordable health care system, and the National Farmers’ Union has given their support because it will help Americans who live in rural areas access care.

“Despite the overwhelming support this legislation has received and despite a strong mandate from the public for action, the Republicans have held tight to their just-say-no approach, firmly rooting the GOP on the side of the insurance lobby and the status quo that is breaking American families and small businesses. It is evident from their obstructionism that the Republicans are more interested in protecting their own reputations and political fortunes than ensuring that our generation and generations to come have the best possible access to health care. Unfortunately for the Republican Party, their misguided and shameful campaign to kill health reform looks doomed to fail – something all Americans should be thankful for.

“Today, Congressional Democrats put opponents of reform on notice: the status quo is unsustainable and inaction is not an option. This vote doesn’t mark the end of this process – we still have a ways to go – but it is a critical milestone on the road to passing health insurance reform. The American people want reform – they need reform – and Democrats will not rest until we pass comprehensive health reform legislation.”

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Washington- DNC Vice Chair and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today issued the following statement in advance of House Republicans’ online health care town hall where they plan to discuss their health reform proposal which does more to help insurance companies than it does to help the American people. The bill would not curb unfair insurance industry practices like denying people coverage because of a pre-existing condition. In fact, the House Republican bill would put families at risk by giving insurance companies more power to discriminate against patients while accumulating record profits. And, according to the Congressional Budget Office the Republican bill would only cover three million of the tens of millions who are currently uninsured.

“While Congressional Democrats are preparing to take an historic vote on health reform legislation this weekend, House Republicans are busy organizing a last minute media stunt, where they intend to do nothing but attack and misrepresent the Democrats’ health reform legislation in a desperate attempt to boost their own poor excuse for a bill.

“I’ve seen the Republicans plan, and I can explain it in about 12 seconds: It would barely make a dent in reducing the millions of uninsured Americans, and instead of helping American families and businesses, it would gut consumer protections and give more goodies to the insurance lobby. It won’t stop insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition and it doesn’t provide people help to buy insurance on the private market.

“The Republicans’ ‘Health Insurance Company Protection Act’ is a boon to the insurance companies and their executives. That’s not the reform the American people want and need.

“Instead of participating in this 12-hour online charade and continuing their fight to maintain the status quo, I hope House Republicans will join Democrats in Congress and President Obama to pass historic reform legislation."

DNC Vice Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz Calls House GOP Health Care Plan the "Health Insurance Company Protection Act"

Washington, D.C.—DNC Vice Chair and U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) today issued the following statement in response to the news that Congressional Republicans are planning to introduce what she said amounts to a “Health Insurance Company Protection Act.” Wasserman Schultz said the GOP plan, as it has been characterized in press reports, would allow health insurance companies to continue engaging in unfair and discriminatory practices like denying coverage to people because of a preexisting medical condition and dropping coverage for people who are sick.

“It’s appalling that John Boehner and Republicans in Congress would rather maintain the status quo and allow insurance companies to continue engaging in unfair practices that boost their profits at the expense of consumers than pass the health insurance reform American families and businesses so desperately need. We have said for some time that Republicans are more interested in protecting the health insurance industry than in helping consumers - and the plan Republicans are putting forward is all the proof anyone would need to know we've been telling the truth. The Republican plan amounts to a ‘Health Insurance Company Protection Act’ and shows once and for all that Republicans don’t want real reform and will fight to protect the status quo every step of the way. At a time when health insurance costs are skyrocketing and families fear losing their coverage if someone gets sick, the last thing we need is to give insurance companies another break. Passing the Republicans’ bill would be worse than passing no reform at all.

“It’s time for Republicans to get the message: Americans want real reform. Instead of handing out favors to big insurance companies, Republicans should work with President Obama and Democrats in Congress to pass the health insurance reform our country needs.”

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Contact: DNC Press - (202) 863-8148

DNC Calls Out Sarah Palin for Her Lies on Health Insurance Reform in its Seventh Installment of the Call 'Em Out Campaign

DNC Targets Palin with Video, Website, Email and on Forum Where she has Spread Numerous Lies: Facebook

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) launched the seventh installment of its ongoing “Call 'Em Out” campaign with a multimedia effort targeting Sarah Palin for continuing to spread lies about health insurance reform. The effort uses email, a website, a video, Facebook and Twitter to demonstrate that instead of participating in an honest exchange on health insurance reform, Palin has resorted to spreading misinformation and outlandish lies including everything from invoking "death panels" to "rationing." More than previous Call 'Em Out efforts, the campaign targeting Palin's lies is relying heavily on reaching people on Facebook where Palin has repeatedly peddled misinformation about health insurance reform.

Please see below all the resources of our campaign to call out Sarah Palin including links to our new web video and website, a note posted on Facebook and an email from DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon to the full DNC list.

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October 29, 2009

Contact: DNC Press 202-863-8148

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On The Affordable Health Care For America Act

Unveiling of Bill is Another Key Milestone in Passing

Health Insurance Reform this Year

WASHINGTON – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer and other Democratic Congressional leaders unveiled their version of health insurance reform legislation: the Affordable Health Care for America Act. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would cost $894 billion over 10 years and extend insurance coverage to 36 million Americans. It is expected to cut the deficit by $30 billion in the first 10 years.

“Today, thanks to the outstanding work of Speaker Pelosi, Chairmen Waxman, Miller and Rangel and countless others in the U.S. House of Representatives, we have achieved another critical milestone on the road to passing health insurance reform this year.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act achieves the goals set out by President Obama earlier this year. It will provide Americans with insurance with more security and stability by making critical reforms to the insurance industry -- insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage because of a pre-existing condition or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. This legislation will provide the uninsured more quality, affordable choices, extending coverage to 96 percent of all Americans. It also includes the choice of a public health insurance option, which is the best way to ensure choice and competition in the market. And it will bring down the skyrocketing costs of care without adding a dime to our deficits. The bill is fully paid for up front and it will actually cut the deficit by $30 billion in its first 10 years.

“There is still much work ahead, but today’s announcement is another testament to President Obama’s extraordinary leadership on this issue. Despite the millions upon millions spent by insurance industry lobbyists in an effort to kill reform and near unanimous opposition to reform by Congressional Republicans, Democrats have been undeterred in their efforts. We will continue to stand for the American people and finally pass health insurance reform this year.”

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October 15, 2009

Contact: DNC Press – (202) 863-8148

DNC LAUNCHES FIFTH IN “CALL EM OUT” SERIES, CALLS OUT INSURANCE LOBBY FOR BOGUS AND MISLEADING ATTACK ON HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

Insurance Industry’s 11th Hour Effort To Derail Reform With “Bogus” Report Is Widely Panned By Media, Industry Experts

Watch the Video “Call ‘Em Out: Insurance Lobby”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi2Mg43GpEE

Get The Facts At The “Call ‘Em Out: Insurance Lobby” Webpage: http://www.democrats.org/page/content/callemoutinslobby/

[

Washington, D.C. - The Democratic National Committee (DNC) today announced the fifth installment in its “Call ‘Em Out” series targeting individuals and organizations that actively mislead the public on aspects of the President’s agenda. The latest “Call ‘Em Out” effort takes the insurance industry to task for putting profits before patients and lying about reform - most recently by issuing a bogus report on the Senate Finance Committee's bill that the AARP said was not “worth the paper it’s written on” and that numerous nonpartisan sources have debunked.

Please see below for the text of an email sent to the Democratic Party's email list from DNC Executive Director Jen O’Malley Dillon on the insurance lobby’s self serving, desperate attempt to block reform. In the email, O’Malley Dillon asks supporters to send a message to their member of Congress urging them to stand-up to the insurance lobby’s multi-million dollar assault on reform and to share a video via email, twitter and facebook detailing the negative response by nonpartisan sources to the insurance industry’s biased report.

Watch “Call ‘Em Out: Insurance Lobby”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi2Mg43GpEE

From: Jen O'Malley Dillon
Subject: The insurance lobby's lies

Friend --

After fighting health reform with lies, deceit, and multi-million dollar ad campaigns, the health insurance lobby -- America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) -- just released a report on the "effects of health reform." Surprise! It's full of flawed claims that reform would increase costs

Many journalists and experts called the report "deceptive" and "implausible." Even the firm that wrote it now admits they only looked at parts of the health reform plan -- because that's what the insurance lobby paid them to do. It's exactly what we should expect from an industry that's been fighting tooth and nail to kill reform, and is now preparing an all-out assault.

We're not going to take it sitting down. So this week, we're calling out the health insurance lobby.

The lobby has invested millions trying to convince Congress to oppose reform. So this week, we're not simply debunking lies: The best way to Call 'em Out is to cut through the spin and tell our representatives to say "no" to deceitful lobbyists and "yes" to reform.

Call 'em Out: Health Insurance Lobby. Send a message urging Congress to stand with voters, not lobbyists.

This isn't the first time the health insurance lobby has lied, cheated, or used misleading reports. This false report is just the latest salvo in a multi-million dollar offensive that appears designed to frighten voters and bully Congress into opposing reform.

In fact, just days after releasing the report, the lobby announced they will spend a million dollars on a television ad filled with debunked claims of Medicare cuts that could scare seniors away from supporting health reform.

We need your help to call out the insurance lobby and make sure our representatives understand that we're counting on them to stand strong against their pressure.

Visit Call 'em Out: Health Insurance Lobby, and help fight back. Share a video debunking the health insurance lobby's lies with your friends. Spread the word about their deceit on Facebook and Twitter. And most importantly, tell your members of Congress to say "no" to insurance lobby pressure.

Soon, health reform will be taken up by the entire House and Senate, and the insurance lobby will take their attacks to a new level. Their lies will grow more extreme -- and it will be more important than ever that our voices are louder than those of the Washington lobbyists.

Call out the health insurance lobby today:

http://www.democrats.org/CallOutAHIP

Thanks for helping us set the record straight about reform,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon

Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

October 13, 2009

Contact DNC Press 202-863-8148

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Following Senate Finance Committee’s Vote to Pass

Health Insurance Reform

Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Senate Finance Committee voted out of committee their version of health insurance reform legislation. The vote won bi-partisan support, with Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine voting to pass the bill out of committee.

“Today’s action by the Senate Finance Committee represents a big step forward towards the enactment of comprehensive health insurance reform.

“I want to commend Chairman Baucus for his leadership and thank all the Democrats on the committee for their tireless work to incorporate the best ideas from both sides of the aisle. Last week, we began to see the fruits of that labor as prominent leaders from outside Washington – including former Bush Administration Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole and Bill Frist, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent – came out in favor of reform. Senator Snowe’s decision to support the Finance Committee’s legislation, because “the consequences of inaction dictate the urgency of Congress to demonstrate its capacity to solve the monumental issues of our time,” brings a renewed sense of momentum to the cause.

“We have been debating health reform for generations. Now, after nearly a year of intense study and deliberation, five Congressional committees have given us a strong framework to keep making progress. There is still much work ahead, and we know insurance industry lobbyists and their friends in Congress will do everything within their power to kill reform and maintain the status quo. But we are closer than ever before to enacting reform that achieves President Obama’s goals of providing more security and stability to people who have insurance, more quality, affordable choices for those who don’t and reining in the high costs of health care for American families, businesses and our government.

“Thanks to President Obama’s strong vision and commitment, and the commitment of like-minded Members of Congress, we are going to deliver health insurance reform to the American people this year. Inaction is not an option.”

October 13, 2009

Contact DNC Press 202-863-8148

Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine Issues Statement Following Senate Finance Committee’s Vote to Pass Health Insurance Reform

Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Senate Finance Committee voted out of committee their version of health insurance reform legislation. The vote won bi-partisan support, with Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine voting to pass the bill out of committee.

“Today’s action by the Senate Finance Committee represents a big step forward towards the enactment of comprehensive health insurance reform.

“I want to commend Chairman Baucus for his leadership and thank all the Democrats on the committee for their tireless work to incorporate the best ideas from both sides of the aisle. Last week, we began to see the fruits of that labor as prominent leaders from outside Washington – including former Bush Administration Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Senate Majority Leaders Bob Dole and Bill Frist, and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an independent – came out in favor of reform. Senator Snowe’s decision to support the Finance Committee’s legislation, because “the consequences of inaction dictate the urgency of Congress to demonstrate its capacity to solve the monumental issues of our time,” brings a renewed sense of momentum to the cause.

“We have been debating health reform for generations. Now, after nearly a year of intense study and deliberation, five Congressional committees have given us a strong framework to keep making progress. There is still much work ahead, and we know insurance industry lobbyists and their friends in Congress will do everything within their power to kill reform and maintain the status quo. But we are closer than ever before to enacting reform that achieves President Obama’s goals of providing more security and stability to people who have insurance, more quality, affordable choices for those who don’t and reining in the high costs of health care for American families, businesses and our government.

“Thanks to President Obama’s strong vision and commitment, and the commitment of like-minded Members of Congress, we are going to deliver health insurance reform to the American people this year. Inaction is not an option.”

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Contact: DNC Press 202-863-8148

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN TIM KAINE ISSUES STATEMENT ABOUT NOBEL PRIZE COMMITTEE’S AWARDING OF 2009 PEACE PRIZE TO PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

Washington, D.C. - President Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday morning for his “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“The Nobel Committee’s decision to award this year’s Peace Prize to President Obama is an affirmation of the fact that the United States has returned to its longstanding role as a world leader. The President has made a conscious decision from the beginning of his presidency to reinvigorate diplomacy, by talking to our friends and our rivals. Those efforts to bring world leaders together are helping the people of the world to face monumental challenges like nuclear arms proliferation, conflict resolution and climate change.

“With this prize comes a sense of enormous pride, but also an enormous sense of humility about the work that remains if we are to resolve the global problems facing humanity. Democrats will continue to work with President Obama to keep moving America forward, as we continue in earnest to sow peace, progress and understanding around the world.”

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Washington, D.C.—El Presidente del Comité Nacional Demócrata (DNC), Tim Kaine, emitió las siguientes declaraciones conmemorando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que comienza hoy, 15 de septiembre:

“El Mes de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el papel tan importante que desempeñan los hispanos en el país. Los hispanos tienen un largo historial de servicio y forman una parte importante de las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos, de la economía y del gobierno en todos los niveles - local, estatal y nacional. El Presidente Obama ha reconocido la importancia de los hispanos en nuestro diálogo nacional y ha nombrado a más hispanos a altos cargos de gobierno que ningún otro presidente.

“Luego de votar en números sin precedente para elegir al Presidente Obama en noviembre pasado, hemos visto cambios sustanciosos y de importancia para los hispanos y para la nación en general, como la expansión del seguro de salud infantil, la paga equitativa, el haber alejado a la economía del peligro y el nombramiento de la Jueza Sonia Sotomayor a la Corte Suprema.

“Este mes también es un recordatorio de que queda mucho más por lograr. El Presidente Obama está trabajando duro para lograr una reforma de seguro de salud que le provea más seguridad y estabilidad a la gente que ya tiene seguro de salud – y que le provea seguro de salud a los que no tienen. Para los hispanos, es crucial que se logre una reforma de seguro de salud: Uno de cada tres hispanos de menos de 65 años de edad carece de seguro médico, y muchos más carecen de la cobertura apropiada.

“Según miramos hacia delante, yo sé que los hispanos desempeñarán un papel activo en la implementación del cambio importante y positivos por todo el país. Les doy las gracias por sus aportaciones significativas a los Estados Unidos y por mover hacia adelante el sueño americano.”

NEARLY 1,000 TEXANS RALLY FOR HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM AS ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA’S HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM NOW BUS TOUR STOPS IN DALLAS

Follows stops across the country with thousands of supporters as momentum builds to pass health insurance reform this year

Between 800 and 1,000 Texans rallied to support efforts to pass health insurance reform this year at Organizing for America's Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour stop in Dallas yesterday. Texas State Senator Royce West, Organizing for America Director Mitch Stewart and local supporters spoke about the importance of reforming America’s health insurance system this year.

The event in Dallas followed stops in 15 other cities where thousands rallied to show their support for passing reform this year. The tour is part of a wider set of events being held throughout the nation highlighting the strong support for reform throughout the country. In the coming days, the Health Insurance Reform Now Bus Tour will make stops in Omaha and Salt Lake City to continue amplifying the urgency of reforming our health insurance system this year.

These strong showings of support offer further evidence of the building momentum behind President Obama’s plan and the on-going efforts to pass health insurance reform this year.

At its core, President Obama’s plan accomplishes two goals: it provides Americans who have insurance with unprecedented stability and security, and provides those who don’t with quality, affordable choices. It also reins in skyrocketing costs that are hurting American families and businesses - without adding a dime to our nation’s deficit.

President Obama’s plan holds insurance companies accountable and makes the system work better for consumers. The plan makes it illegal for insurance companies to deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition, limit the amount of coverage someone can receive, or cancel someone’s coverage when they get sick. It will cap out of pocket expenses and stop companies from charging extra for preventive care.

State Senator Royce West

"Our nation is facing one of the greatest moral challenges of this generation," said Senator West. "For thousands of Texans, a job loss, illness or an accident could mean losing health coverage or filing bankruptcy to cover health costs...America needs health care reform and the time is now."

Mitch Stewart, OFA Executive Director

"President Obama’s plan accomplishes three goals -- it gives Americans with insurance more security and stability, it provides those who don’t have insurance with affordable choices and it reins in the high cost of care which is crushing American families, businesses and our government, without adding a dime to our deficits. And that’s what this event is all about. Let’s get it done: let’s pass health insurance reform now."

For Immediate Release

September 15, 2009

Contact: DNC Press – 202-863-8148

DNC COMMEMORATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Washington, D.C.—DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month, which starts today, September 15:

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on the vital role Hispanics play in our country. With a long history of service, Hispanics are an important part of America’s armed forces, economy and local, state and national governments. President Obama has recognized the importance of Hispanics in our national dialogue and nominated more Hispanics to serve in high office than ever before.

“Hispanics voted in overwhelming numbers to elect President Obama last November and, as a result, we have seen transformative change on issues important to Hispanics and our nation as a whole, like the expansion of children’s health insurance, equal pay for equal work, bringing our economy back from the brink and the appointment of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.

“This month is also a reminder that there is much more to accomplish. President Obama is working for health insurance reform that will provide more security and stability to people who have health insurance and will provide insurance to those who don’t. For Hispanics, insurance reform is crucial: one out of three Hispanics under 65 is uninsured, and many more lack adequate coverage.

“As we look at the work ahead of us, I know that Hispanics will play an active role in bringing about important and positive changes throughout America. I thank them for their significant contributions to our country and for advancing the American dream.”

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Para difusión inmediata

15 de septiembre de 2009

Contacto: Prensa del DNC – 202-863-8148

EL DNC COMMEMORA MES DE LA HERENCIA HISPANA

Washington, D.C.—El Presidente del Comité Nacional Demócrata (DNC), Tim Kaine, emitió las siguientes declaraciones conmemorando el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, que comienza hoy, 15 de septiembre:

“El Mes de la Herencia Hispana nos brinda una oportunidad para reflexionar sobre el papel tan importante que desempeñan los hispanos en el país. Los hispanos tienen un largo historial de servicio y forman una parte importante de las fuerzas armadas de los Estados Unidos, de la economía y del gobierno en todos los niveles - local, estatal y nacional. El Presidente Obama ha reconocido la importancia de los hispanos en nuestro diálogo nacional y ha nombrado a más hispanos a altos cargos de gobierno que ningún otro presidente.

“Luego de votar en números sin precedente para elegir al Presidente Obama en noviembre pasado, hemos visto cambios sustanciosos y de importancia para los hispanos y para la nación en general, como la expansión del seguro de salud infantil, la paga equitativa, el haber alejado a la economía del peligro y el nombramiento de la Jueza Sonia Sotomayor a la Corte Suprema.

“Este mes también es un recordatorio de que queda mucho más por lograr. El Presidente Obama está trabajando duro para lograr una reforma de seguro de salud que le provea más seguridad y estabilidad a la gente que ya tiene seguro de salud – y que le provea seguro de salud a los que no tienen. Para los hispanos, es crucial que se logre una reforma de seguro de salud: Uno de cada tres hispanos de menos de 65 años de edad carece de seguro médico, y muchos más carecen de la cobertura apropiada.

“Según miramos hacia delante, yo sé que los hispanos desempeñarán un papel activo en la implementación del cambio importante y positivos por todo el país. Les doy las gracias por sus aportaciones significativas a los Estados Unidos y por mover hacia adelante el sueño americano.”

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September 12, 2009

Contact: DNC Press (202) 863-8148

AS THE PRESIDENT PREPARES TO RALLY MINNESOTANS ON HEALTH REFORM TODAY, DNC RELEASES NEW WEB VIDEO TARGETING MINNESOTA GOVERNOR ENTITLED: “TIM PAWLENTY: IN THE EXTREME”

With His Eyes Set on Run for Higher Office, Tim Pawlenty has Gone off the Deep End With his Extreme Opposition to the President, Lies On Health Care

WATCH “TIM PAWLENTY: IN THE EXTREME”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sK8A_MazM2o

Washington, D.C. – With the President set to rally tens of thousands of Minnesotans on health reform today, the Democratic National Committee has taken aim at Minnesota's Governor Tim Pawlenty, releasing a new web video slamming him for his extremist and false rhetoric on health insurance reform, his public support for far-right Virginia gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell who has called working women a detriment to society and his attacks on the President’s speech on personal responsibility to school children. Taken together, Pawlenty’s positions reveal a politician who is way out of the mainstream and desperate in his attempts to garner attention from the farthest right fringe of his Party. DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse released the following statement:

“The harder Tim Pawlenty tries to appeal to the far-right wing of the Republican Party, the more ludicrous his arguments get. In the past week alone, he has strengthened his already vocal support for the absurd and debunked claim that health insurance reform could lead to death panels. He’s campaigned in Virginia for a Republican gubernatorial candidate who believes working women are a detriment to society. And, he was one of a handful of those on the extreme right wing who criticized the President’s address to school children – a speech wherein the President urged students to stay in school and work hard.

“The more the voters learn about Tim Pawlenty, the more they will see that he is solely motivated by his desire to win over far right wing extremists and appeal to Republican Party leaders like Rush Limbaugh . His actions as of late beg the question – what won’t Tim Pawlenty say or do to appeal to the Sarah Palin wing of the Republican Party.?”

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