Barack Obama

“ Now, as critical as the task of health care reform is, Governor Sebelius will also oversee a department with wide-ranging responsibilities essential to the well-being of the American people. We rely on the Food and Drug Administration to ensure the safety of our nation's food and drug supply. We depend on the Center for Disease Control to make certain our nation is prepared for pandemic disease outbreak or bioterrorism attacks. We expect the National Institutes of Health to keep America at the forefront of medical research, and work toward a cure for cancer in our time. ”

“ That is why we cannot fail to act yet again. If we're going to help families, save businesses, and improve the long-term economic health of our nation, we must realizing [sic] that fixing what's wrong with our health care system is no longer just a moral imperative, but a fiscal imperative. ”

“ These health centers will expand access to care by helping people in need -- many with no health insurance –- obtain access to comprehensive primary and preventive health care services. That helps relieve the burden on emergency rooms across the country, which have become primary care clinics for too many who lack coverage -- often at taxpayer expense. This action will create thousands of new jobs, help provide health care to an estimated 750,000 low-income Americans across the country, and take another important step toward affordable, accessible health care for all. ”

“ What is required, however, is a commitment to reform that focuses not on Democratic ideas or Republican ideas, but on ideas that work to rein in costs, expand access, and improve the quality of health care for the American people. ”

“ It makes both the sacrifices and the investments necessary to tackle the great challenges of our time -- challenges we face today as a consequence of decisions we deferred yesterday. And one of these great challenges is health care. ”

“ And as a governor she's been on the front lines of our health care crisis. She has a deep knowledge of what the burden of crushing costs does to our families and businesses. That's why she fought to guarantee Kansans access -- access to quality, affordable health care, and sought to secure it for every Kansas child from birth to age five. ”

“ But I also know this: I didn't come to Washington to take the easy route, or to work for the powerful and the well-connected interests who have run this city for too long. I came here to work for the American people. ”