The following is a statement from Congressman Alan Grayson in response to President Barack Obama’s speech tonight to a Joint Session of Congress regarding health care reform:

Alan Grayson

“Tonight, the President laid out his plan for health care reform that will bring stability and security to health care in America.  He and I both want it to deliver peace of mind for everyone.  If you change jobs, lose your job, or lose your health, you should be able to get affordable health insurance. Under the President’s plan, you will be able to.

Recently, I held four “town hall”-type meetings and a telephone town hall meeting during eight days in August alone.  Health care questions dominated these forums.  During those events, I corrected many misconceptions about health care reform.  Tonight, President Obama likewise dispelled the countless myths spread by those bent on defeating this reform at all costs.  People need to judge health care reform on the facts, not on fears stemming from something that is nowhere in the bill.

Clearly, the need for health care reform is on the minds of the people I proudly represent. According to the Marist Poll last month, only six percent of America favors doing nothing.  Doing nothing is not an option.  As we move forward, I look forward to working with all sides to ensure the best ideas become part of this essential reform.

Finally, I often get asked if I will support a bill that does not include one provision or another.  My answer is simple:  I will support any bill that saves money and saves lives.”