奥巴马演讲PutPeopleAheadofInsuranceCompanies.doc

Remarks by the President on Health Care ReformEast Room1:50 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT:?Thank you so much, all of you, for joining us today.??And I want to thank Julie, Barbara, Roland, Stephen, Renee, and Christopher, standing behind me -- physicians, physicians assistants, and nurses who understand how important it is for us to make much needed changes in our health care system.I want to thank all of you who are here today.?I want to specially recognize two people who have been working tirelessly on that -- on this effort, my Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius -- (applause) -- as well as our quarterback for health reform out of the White House, Nancy-Ann DeParle.??(Applause.) We began our push to reform health insurance last March, in this room, with doctors and nurses who know the system best.?And so its fitting to be joined by all of you as we bring this journey to a close.? ? Last Thursday, I spent seven hours at a summit where Democrats and Republicans engaged in a public and very substantive（大量的，实质的） discussion about health care.?This meeting capped off a debate that began with a similar summit nearly one year ago.??And since then, every idea has been put on the table.??Every argument has been made.??Everything there is to say about health care has been said -- (laughter) -- and just about everybody has said it.??(Laughter.)??So now is the time to make a decision about how to finally reform health care so that it works, not just for the insurance companies, but for Americas families and Americas businesses.Now, where both sides say they agree is that the status quo（现状） is not working for the American people.?Health insurance is becoming more expensive by the day.??Families cant afford it.??Businesses cant afford it.??The federal government cant afford it.??Smaller businesses and individuals who dont get coverage at work are squeezed especially hard.??And insurance companies freely ration（配给，定量供应） health care based on whos sick and wh