Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good hailed the House of Representatives as it passed HR 3962, Affordable Health Care for America Act. The bill marks the first time in decades that comprehensive health care reform has passed the House. Catholics in Alliance joins the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Catholic Health Association, and dozens of other Catholic and faith-based groups in celebrating this historic vote. We look forward to a final vote on a similar bill in the Senate, expected in the coming weeks.

"This bill is a victory for all people who believe in the fundamental dignity of every human life," said Victoria Kovari, Interim Executive Director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. "Heath Care reform is an urgent moral priority for our nation, and the passage of this legislation brings us a step closer to health care as a basic human right for all people, not just those who can afford it."

The Affordable Health Care for America Act will cover up to 96% of all Americans, and will subsidize families who cannot afford the high cost of health insurance. Significant insurance reforms in the bill will end discrimination on the basis of gender or age and will prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage to individuals because of pre-existing conditions.

As Catholics, we applaud the efforts of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Bart Stupak, and others who helped extend current restrictions on federal funding of abortion to health plans participating in the public exchanges.

"We are grateful for the hard work of all those who have made passage of this historic bill a reality," said Kovari. "Catholics across the political spectrum speak with one voice in supporting health care reform that promotes the common good and protects the sanctity of all human life by providing families and children with quality, affordable health care."