"Sheila --
For the first time
in our nation's history,
Congress has passed
comprehensive health care reform.
America waited a hundred
years and fought for decades to
reach this moment.
Tonight, thanks to you,
we are finally here.
Consider the staggering scope of
what you have just accomplished:
Because of you,
every American will finally be
guaranteed high quality,
affordable health care coverage.
Every American
will be covered under
the toughest patient protections in
history. Arbitrary premium hikes,
insurance cancellations, and
discrimination against
pre-existing conditions will
now be gone forever.
And we'll finally
start reducing the cost of care --
creating millions of jobs,
preventing families and businesses
from plunging into
bankruptcy, and removing
over a trillion dollars of debt
from the backs of our children.
But the victory that matters
most tonight
goes beyond the laws and far
past the numbers.
It is the peace of mind enjoyed by
every American, no longer
one injury or illness away
from catastrophe.
It is the workers and entrepreneurs
who are now freed to pursue
their slice of the American dream
without fear of losing coverage
or facing a crippling bill.
And it is the immeasurable joy
of families in every part of
this great nation, living happier,
healthier lives together
because they can finally receive
the vital care they need.
This is what change looks like.
My gratitude tonight is profound.
I am thankful for those in past
generations
whose heroic efforts brought
this great goal within reach
for our times.
I am thankful for the members
of Congress
whose months of effort
and brave votes
made it possible to take this
final step. But most of all,
I am thankful for you."
