Statement of US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on passage of health care reform by US House of Representatives

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on passage of a health care reform bill by the U.S. House of Representatives:

"A new day is finally dawning for every American family that has seen its wages and dreams eroded by a health care system that has worked only for insurance companies – and at the expense of regular people. Last night's historic vote in the U.S. House of Representatives clears the path for Americans to gain the coverage and financial stability that they both need and deserve. More than 32 million people now will be covered by health insurance, and pre-existing conditions cannot be the basis to deny aid to those who need it most.

"The House vote answers a decades-old call for comprehensive reform. It is a tremendous victory for workers, and it will help the nation's small businesses strengthen our economy. In the same way, passage of the legislation is solid evidence of the change and progress that – from the very start – President Obama's administration has been committed to bringing all Americans.

"I commend the members of the House who voted for comprehensive health care reform, and I am certain that their wisdom will help shape a brighter future for our nation. As the president has noted, their action proves 'we are still a people capable of achieving big things.' Indeed, now we push on with job creation."

• Read this news release en Espa ol.