Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) issued the following statement following final Senate passage of health care legislation:
“An Old Arab proverb says, ‘He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.'”
“I believe these words to be true. Such words have driven me throughout my long career to improve the state’s health-care infrastructure and delivery system. We all know too well that while sources of distinctiveness and pride, the remoteness and ruggedness of much of West Virginia has resulted in the state’s consistently ranking high in incidences of disease, injury, and poor health behaviors. In my continued quest to give substance to my vision of better health care for all West Virginians, I proudly cast my vote in support of this bill.”
“I have long advocated for expanding access to affordable, basic health care services for all West Virginians, regardless of income. This bill furthers that goal. It will expand coverage to West Virginians who otherwise could not afford insurance. It will reduce costs for families, particularly drug costs for seniors, and insurance costs for small businesses. It will provide cost savings that more than pay for these initiatives in the decades to come. It will help to reform unfair health insurance practices, so that insurance companies cannot escape their responsibilities when West Virginians need their health insurance most. I believe that in the decades to come, Americans will look back on this legislation, as they do on the Social Security and Medicare programs, as fundamental government services deserving broad and bipartisan support.”
“And my best wishes for a joyous and healthy holiday season to all.”
Footnote: Today’s vote on health care was Byrd’s 18,609th vote during his Senate career.
