New Mexicans react as House OKs health-care legislation

By Heath Haussamen

C-SPAN showed the bill passing 219-212 as time expired on the House vote Sunday evening.

Here are the statements NMPolitics.net received from New Mexico politicians following the U.S. House’s vote in favor of historic health-care legislation Sunday evening.

From U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M.:

“Today’s vote to reform our broken health insurance system defines who we are as a nation.

“My vote today puts an end to insurers rejecting you because you have a pre-existing condition. My vote today closes the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole. My vote today gives small business owners tax credits so their employee coverage will be more affordable. My vote today reduces the deficit by $1.3 trillion over the next two decades. My vote today holds insurance companies accountable.

“This debate has been long, thoughtful and emotional. And even though we have seen statistics manipulated, misinformation encouraged, and the very patriotism of our fellow citizens called into question, I am confident that my vote today falls on the right side of history.

“The benefits of reform will be large and immediate for New Mexicans, and our nation will be stronger and healthier because of it.”

From U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M.:

“Today, Congress passed historic health insurance reform that will make coverage more affordable and secure for those with insurance, extend coverage for those without insurance, and hold insurance companies accountable.

“Health insurance reform stops insurance companies from denying people for pre-existing conditions. It provides more choice. It lowers costs and reduces our deficit. It stops insurance companies from dropping people who are sick. It helps small businesses by giving them tax credits. It helps seniors by making prescription drugs more affordable.

“While this legislation does not solve every problem facing our health insurance system, it does make important steps toward reforming our broken health insurance system, and I’m proud that we were able to pass legislation that will put the people of New Mexico ahead of health insurance companies.”

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