U.S. Chamber Issues Statement on Senate Health Care Proposal

WASHINGTON, June 22 -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement by President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue upon the release of the Senate discussion draft on health care:

"The Senate health care bill will help to stabilize crumbling insurance markets caused by the Affordable Care Act, work to curb runaway premium increases, and jettison ill-conceived Washington mandates and taxes that have weighed heavily on our economy. This is an extremely important step in putting doctors and patients ahead of politicians when it comes to American health care.

"This bill appears to strike an important balance between providing ample attention to the much needed safety net for underserved communities without putting Washington in charge of health care. We have long sought this type of balanced solution that doesn't jeopardize employer sponsored coverage, while seeking affordable access for all Americans. The Senate's approach appears to do just that.

"We know that Obamacare is dangerously close to collapse as millions of Americans are left with fewer and fewer options for health insurance and urge Senators to move forward and ultimately pass this legislation without delay."