(Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) released the following statement tonight after President Obama’s health care speech to Congress. Holt’s guest for the speech was Adira Riben, a New Jersey resident who recently lost her job and has since been without insurance.

“Tonight President Obama clearly stated why the status quo is unacceptable and why we must fix our broken health insurance system. Americans are living sicker, dying younger, and paying more than we should or than residents of other major countries do.

“My guest for tonight’s speech was Adira Riben, a Monmouth Junction resident, who recently lost her job and her insurance.  She is concerned about the difficulty in finding new health insurance because she suffers from two chronic health conditions. I hear from many residents who are happy with the coverage they have. Before she lost her job, I imagine Ms. Riben was happy with her coverage too. Unfortunately, almost everyone is one stroke of bad luck away from something they can’t handle.

“It shouldn’t be this way. The fight for meaningful health insurance reform has lasted 100 years. We are closer than ever to ensuring that all Americans – whether they have insurance or not – will have security and stability in their health care.”

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