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A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Michael Briggs or Will Wiquist (202) 224-5141

Sanders: Public Option Clearly Needed

WASHINGTON

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued
the following statement today after the Senate Finance Committee rejected two
amendments to add a public option plan to major health care legislation:

"I am
disappointed, although not surprised, that the effort to pass a public option
failed in the Senate Finance Committee. Fortunately, there is a public option
in the health committee bill and my hope and expectation is that that
provision will be part of the final bill. Clearly, if we are serious about
cost containment, private insurance companies must have competition from a
public plan."

United States Senator for Vermont

(202) 224-5141