WASHINGTON - December 22 - With the motto "Give America a Gift: One Nation, One Plan," Progressive Democrats of America today is taking to the phones along with other groups to call all U.S. representatives and senators and encourage their support for HR 676, The National Health Insurance Act, by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI). "We're taking action in concert with a broad range of other groups to let Congress know that there is public support for a single-payer health plan as the only way to achieve truly affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans," said Tim Carpenter, PDA's executive director.

PDA members across the nation are calling the district offices of their representatives and senators, thanking those who co-sponsored HR 676 in the last Congress and urging the rest to sign on as co-sponsors when it is re-introduced in the new Congress that will convene in January.

The callers are also contacting the office of Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), who is leading the effort in the Senate to draft a national health plan. Kennedy is being urged to use the single-payer model for his plan, rather than the so-called Massachusetts model, which has proved expensive and has left thousands without healthcare in that state.

Also participating in the national call-in day are California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, Healthcare-NOW!, and Physicians for a National Health Plan, among others.

A second call-in day, to the Washington offices of all representatives and senators, is slated for Jan. 15.