Thomas Daschle: “Mr. President, given the very short period of time we have remaining, and the fact that all of the arguments have been…”

“Mr. President, given the very short period of time we have remaining, and the fact that all of the arguments have been made, let me simply summarize the case against including MSA's on this bill. Two years ago we all agreed that comprehensive health care reform would not pass. In the last year and a half we have all agreed that we can only pass something which enjoys broad bipartisan support. It was with that understanding and with the remarkable leadership of the Chair of the Labor Committee, the distinguished Senator from Kansas, and the Senator from Massachusetts, we now have a bill that we all agree is the only health reform legislation that can pass this Congress with broad, bipartisan support. This narrowly drafted bill some of the most pressing health problems facing Americans. Portability and coverage for preexisting conditions are two of the most important issues we face. So let there be no mistake, we have an opportunity today to pass something, but we also have an opportunity to kill that very bill with this MSA provision in this amendment. The NFIB clearly stated in a letter dated today, and they have said very clearly, 'We oppose any amendment which will bring about a defeat of the legislation before us.' They recognize the importance of this moment. They recognize what an opportunity we have before us. We should not blow it. We should not kill this bill.”