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Senate Ethics Committee Clears Senator Roland W. Burris of Legal Wrongdoing, Closes Investigation

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After months of investigation into the circumstances surrounding the appointment and seating of Senator Roland W. Burris, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics has closed its inquiry and cleared the Senator of any legal wrongdoing.

In a "public letter of qualified admonition," the Senate Ethics Committee outlined the specific areas of concern that it investigated, and conclusively found no "actionable violations of the law" occurred.

Earlier this year, Senator Burris was also investigated and subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing by the Sangamon County State's Attorney in Springfield, Illinois.

"I am pleased that after numerous investigations, this matter has finally come to a close. I thank the members of the Senate Ethics Committee for their fair and thorough review of this matter, and now look forward to continuing the important work ahead on behalf of the people of Illinois," said Senator Burris.

In recent months, Senator Burris has emerged as a key member of the Democratic caucus as they seek to piece together the critical 60 votes needed to pass President Obama's health care legislation through the United States Senate. He has become a strong voice for the inclusion of a strong public option, and his vote is seen as vital for final passage.

A copy of the "Public Letter of Qualified Admonition" will be available on the Senate Select Committee on Ethics' website: http://ethics.senate.gov/.

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Senator Roland Burris Statement on the Death of Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Roland W. Burris issued the following statement regarding the death of Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott:

"I am shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of my good friend Michael Scott, President of the Chicago Board of Education. I had known Michael for more than forty years, and held him in the highest regard. A proud graduate of the Chicago Public Schools himself, he dedicated his life to public service, and to Chicago's young people. From his service with the Lawndale People's Planning and Action Council, to his work with the late Mayor Harold Washington to his time on the Board of Education, Michael proved his commitment to fairness, openness, and honesty. He was always willing to hear every point of view, and always did his very best to act in the public interest. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his colleagues on this tragic day, and with the people of Chicago, who have lost a sincere advocate and a good friend."

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Senator Burris Statement on Possible Guantanamo Inmate Transfer to Thompson, IL Correctional Facility

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Roland W. Burris issued the following statement regarding the possibility of terrorism suspects from Guantanamo Bay being transferred to the Thomson Correctional Center in Thomson, Illinois:

"I support the transfer of inmates from Guantanamo Bay to the Thomson Correctional Center, and I have full confidence that the facility can securely house terrorism suspects without comprising the safety of Thomson, or any part of Illinois. Illinois has already demonstrated that its correctional institutions are reliable. The state currently holds 30 terrorist suspects in its facilities, and has no record of incident or complication with the detention of these individuals. This transfer would also be a strong economic boon for our state. If this proposal was approved, Illinois would be in the position to receive federal funds and to create thousands of much needed jobs during this dire economic time."

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Senator Roland W. Burris and Fellow Members of the Illinois Delegation to Meet with VA Officials in Marion, IL

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

MARION, IL -- On Thursday, November 12th, United States Senator Roland W. Burris will travel to Marion, Illinois to meet with officials of the Veterans Affairs Department at the VA Medical Center in Marion, Illinois to be briefed on the hospital?s continued failings to properly care for veterans, and to discuss the best way forward.

Senator Burris will join Senator Dick Durbin, Representative Jerry Costello, Representative John Shimkus, and Representative Debbie Halvorson at the briefing on Thursday.

On November 4th, Senator Burris and the Illinois Congressional Delegation met privately with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), General Eric Shinseki after a report filed by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) alleged a failure to achieve recommendations that would safeguard patients in the care of the Marion VA Medical Center.

In its report, the OIG reviewed the period between October 2007 and August 2009 under the Combined Assessment Program, which includes recurring evaluations of health care facilities focusing on patient care and quality management. Many quality management failures that were found during previous reviews were identified in this most recent review including lack of sufficient oversight, fragmented and inconsistent reporting structure, inadequate peer review, failure to meet mortality screening requirements, and failure to integrate the patient safety program into all areas of the medical center. Additionally, the OIG identified new problems in records review, patient data analysis, staff life support certifications, compliance with environmental standards, and medication management.

Senator Roland Burris Announces Recovery Act Funding for Illinois to Fight Health Care Associated Infections

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Roland Burris Announces Recovery Act Funding for Illinois to Fight Health Care Associated Infections

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?United States Senator Roland W. Burris today announced that $98,351.00 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are being allocated to the State of Illinois to combat and reduce health care associated infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections some patients acquire when they are in a health care setting such as a hospital or outpatient clinic.

Senator Burris and the Democratic-led Congress passed the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act that was signed into law by President Obama in February.

?I am pleased that these vital Recovery Act funds are being provided to Illinois to fight HAIs,? said Senator Burris. ?These funds will help reduce the risk HAIs and assist in improving the quality of care for all Americans.?

Today, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that up to $9 million in funding from the Recovery Act to state survey agencies in 43 states to reduce HAIs. Last fiscal year, 12 states volunteered to get a head start on this nationwide effort to reduce health care associated infections in stand-alone or same-day surgical centers by beginning to survey ambulatory surgical centers with funding of nearly $1 million provided through the Recovery Act.

These funds support activities described in the HHS? 2009 Action Plan to Prevent Health Care Associated Infections. The plan also establishes national goals, prioritizes recommended clinical practices, and coordinates a national research agenda.

HHS? 2009 Action Plan to Prevent Health Care Associated Infections
www.hhs.gov/ophs/initiatives/hai/prevention

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Senator Burris Travels to Fort Hood to Honor the Fallen

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Senator Roland W. Burris, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, will travel to Fort Hood, Texas tomorrow for a memorial ceremony being held in honor of those who lost their lives in last week's tragic army base shootings.

On Thursday, November 5, 2009 13 people were killed, and 38 wounded when Major Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly opened fire in a pre-deployment screening center on the base of Ft. Hood, Texas. Two of the soldiers killed that day were Illinoisans.

"It is with a heavy heart that I travel to Ft. Hood army base," said Sen. Burris. "Our entire nation grieves alongside the families who have already sacrificed so much. And it is my hope that our visit will remind the Fort Hood community of the deep honor and gratitude we as a nation owe to those who bravely wear this country's uniform. My thoughts and prayers are with these families, and with their fellow servicemen and women, as we struggle to come to terms with this senseless act of violence."

Members of Congress will be flown to Fort Hood, TX via military aircraft on Tuesday morning, and will return Tuesday evening.

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Senator Burris Continues Push for a Strong Public Option

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

On Monday, November 2nd, Senator Roland W. Burris delivered a major address on health care reform at Stroger Hospital in Chicago. Joined by fellow Illinoisans and health care professionals, Senator Burris listened to constituent testimonials and reinforced his advocacy for a strong public option to be included in any health care reform bill, and once again declared that he will not support a bill that does not include a public plan.

?Two months ago, I stood on the floor of the U.S. Senate and made a firm commitment. It?s a commitment I?ve restated from the Senate floor nearly every single day that we?ve been in session. I told my colleagues that I would not rest ? would not compromise ? and would not stop fighting until a strong public option is included in our health reform bill,? Senator Burris said in his address. ?And I remain just as committed today. So I?ll tell you what I told them: I will not vote for any reform legislation that fails to include a strong public option. I believe we cannot get meaningful reform without the real competition, lower costs, and accountability that a public option can provide. And I?m not alone in this belief. Whether it?s on planes, out on the streets here in Chicago, or in the hallway outside of my Senate office, every day I hear from folks in Illinois and across America who want a strong public option.?

Senator Burris has been critical of the state opt-out provision that is currently present in the Senate bill put forth by Majority Leader Harry Reid. Senator Burris feels that a public option compromise, like the state opt-out option, may not go far enough in bringing true health care reform.

?An opt-out provision presents insurance companies an ample opportunity to apply their strong influence on state legislators across the country, which could lead to an eradication of a vital public option in some areas of the country,? said Senator Burris. ?My constituents in Illinois and the vast majority of Americans favor a robust public option, and a public plan compromise in the health care bill would not bring about the real reform they?re expecting.?

On October 28th, Senator Burris met with President Obama?s health care czar Nancy Ann-DeParle to discuss the current health care reform bill in Congress and his positions regarding the public option.

?We had an informative and constructive discussion about the current state of the health care reform package, and I reiterated my stance on the public option,? said Senator Burris. ?My argument to her was the one I have been vocalizing for the past few weeks, and that is a strong public plan will spark the real change we need in our health care system. It will increase coverage, lower costs, and hold insurance companies accountable. We have come so far and cannot afford to wait for another Congress or another administration to tackle this issue.?

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Senator Roland Burris Launches New Online Office

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?¬ Today, Senator Roland W. Burris announced the opening of his new online office. The redesigned website, www.burris.senate.gov, will allow constituents to access Senator Burris? positions on legislative issues, see recent news, find timely and relevant information about his activities in Washington, and contact Senator Burris with their comments, questions, and concerns.

?I welcome all Illinoisans to explore my new website, www.burris.senate.gov ,? said Senator Burris. ?Here you will find information about issues important to our state, and the work that I?m doing in Washington. I invite the people of Illinois to visit and explore this online office, and to contact me with their thoughts so that I may better serve them in the United States Senate. ?

The newly redesigned website is focused on all issues being debated in Washington, as well as Senator Burris? strong advocacy for a robust public option to be included in the health care reform package now working its way through Congress.

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Senator Burris Statement on Fort Hood Shootings

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Roland W. Burris issued the following statement regarding the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas:

"I was shocked and saddened to hear about the tragic events that took place today at Fort Hood. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who has been affected by these senseless acts of violence. During this time of uncertainty and grief, we must keep sight of all of the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to bravely serving our nation."

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Senator Burris Honored with Golden Gavel Award

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?¬ Today, Senator Roland W. Burris became the fourth United States Senator of the 111th Congress to be awarded the Golden Gavel Award. The award consists of a brass gavel and plaque, which was formally presented by the Majority Leader, Senator Harry Reid and President Pro Tempore, Senator Robert Byrd.

For almost 50 years, the award has been presented by the Senate Majority Leader to freshman Senators who preside over the Senate chamber for 100 hours or more during any single session.

The duty of presiding over the Senate is the constitutional duty the Vice President of the United States, but in practice generally falls to the Senate president pro tempore, Senator Robert Byrd, who is the longest-serving member of the majority Democratic Party. Senator Byrd, in turn, often delegates the task to majority-party freshmen Senators who take turns as the presiding officer.
Presiding over the Senate chamber allows new members to become more familiar with the many rules, regulations, and procedures that govern how the United States Senate operates. In the late 1960s, to encourage freshmen senators to preside more frequently, the Senate majority leader created what has become known as the Golden Gavel Award to acknowledge the services of those who preside for 100 hours during any session.
As is often the case, there was a good natured, but spirited competition among the ten freshmen Democratic Senators to be the first freshman to win the gavel. During the current session, Senators Tom Udall, Kay Hagan, and Mark Begich have also received this award.
For more information on the Golden Gavel Award go to: http://www.senate.gov/reference/common/generic/Golden_Gavel.htm

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Senator Burris Announces Department of Agriculture Grant Funding for Angelic Organics Learning Center, Inc. in Caledonia

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Burris Announces Department of Agriculture Grant Funding for Angelic Organics Learning Center, Inc. in Caledonia
Funds to be Used for Training Beginning Farmers and Ranchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?United States Senator Roland W. Burris today announced that $750,000 in a grant award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been awarded to Angelic Organics Learning Center, Inc. in Caledonia, IL.

Today, the USDA announced an award of more than $17 million in grants to 29 institutions across the country to address the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers in order to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture in the United States.

?I am pleased to see that Angelic Organics Learning Center has been awarded this important USDA grant award,? said Senator Burris. ?These grants will ensure that farmers and ranchers across the country have the ability to continue to work and provide quality food for their local communities.?

This funding announcement is part of the USDA?s new ?Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food? initiative launched in September 2009 to stress the need for a reconnection between producers and consumers. This initiative includes such major agricultural topics as supporting local farmers and community food groups, strengthening rural communities, enhancing direct marketing and farmers? promotion programs, promoting healthy eating, protecting natural resources, and helping schools connect with locally grown foods.

The grants were awarded through the USDA?s National Institute of Food and Agriculture?s (NIFA) Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. This program is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or fewer. Congress authorized the FY 2009 funding for this program under the 2008 Farm Bill, with another $19 million in mandatory funding for FY 2010.

National Institute of Food and Agriculture
www.nifa.usda.gov

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Senator Roland W. Burris Delivers Senate Floor Speech on Legacy of Health Care Reform Debate in America

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ??United States Senator Roland W. Burris today spoke from the floor of the United States Senate on the plight of health care reform after nearly a century of debate. Drawing on the wisdom of past leaders of the health care reform movement, Senator Burris explained that while ten former presidents from both political parties have tried to pass health care reform, our nation is at an important crossroads, and health care reform must finally become reality after nearly 100 years.

Beginning with the origins of the health care debate during President Theodore Roosevelt?s campaign for a third term as president, Senator Burris spoke of past presidents? attempts to pass comprehensive health care reform, from Harry Truman to Franklin Roosevelt, from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush. Not only did these influential leaders see the value and importance in passing comprehensive health care reform, almost all of them knew that the right answer to health care reform was some form of a public option.

Knowing that our nation?s health care system was broken, ten presidents from both political parties all fought for comprehensive health care reform, but their efforts fell short every time. Now that President Barack Obama has become the eleventh president in the last 100 years to take up the challenge of health care reform, Senator Burris is assured that President Obama will heed the experiences of his predecessors and will meet the challenge of passing comprehensive health care reform for all Americans.

?Despite the leadership of ten presidents from both political parties, we are faced with the same broken system that has troubled our elected leaders for almost a century,? said Senator Burris. ?These ten presidents were Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, and although their lives and administrations might have been very different, there was at least one thing they could all agree on. Every one of them supported comprehensive healthcare reform. The weight of history and of consensus cannot be denied, and it can no longer be ignored. We must pass meaningful healthcare reform that includes a public option. Our nation has been debating this issue for nearly 100 years. Now is not the time to back down. We have talked for a century, so let us now act with conviction.?

Senator Burris, a vocal proponent of the inclusion of a public option in health care reform, has made headlines over the past weeks for his vow not to support any health care reform legislation that does not include a public option. Senator Burris has spoken from the Senate floor nearly every day to vocalize his insistence on a public option, which will make health insurance more affordable, restore choice, and promote competition among insurance companies.

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Senator Roland W. Burris Joins Democratic Senators on Senate Floor to Call for Health Care Reform

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Senator Roland W. Burris this morning joined his fellow freshman Democratic Senate colleagues in back-to-back speeches on the Senate floor to discuss the importance of health care reform. Senator Burris took to the Senate floor this morning to address the question being asked by millions of Americans across the nation: ?What can health care reform do for me??

Senator Burris again voiced his insistence for a public option as a part of health care reform, asserting that health care reform with a public option will not only be affordable, but will promote competition among insurance companies and restore choice to the insurance market.

?I believe the American people are tired of the scare tactics and the dishonesty. They are interested in the truth behind our reform proposals. They just want to know: ?What can healthcare reform do for me?? said Senator Burris. ?Health insurance reform with a public option means competition, choice and affordability. That?s why I refuse to compromise on the public option: because it is the only way to give the American people the quality, affordable care they deserve. So let me be clear: I will not vote for any health reform bill that does not include a public option. And I ask my colleagues to stand with me.?

Senator Burris is an ardent advocate for the inclusion of a public option in any health insurance reform bill and is the only Democratic Senator to vow not to vote for a bill that does not include a public option.

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Senator Burris Announces Recovery Act Funding for the Illinois Institute of Technology Funds to be Used for Research Relating to Wind Energy Advancement

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ?United States Senator Roland W. Burris today announced that American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds from the Department of Energy have been allocated to the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago to fund research in the use of wind energy.

The funds will be directed as follows:

? $8 million for the Illinois Institute of Technology: The Institute will install a test turbine, a GE 1.5 MW turbine, at a current wind project owned by a consortium partner at Marseilles, IL. The university consortium?s research and development plan includes advanced concepts for rotor control and drive train control, robust sensors for blades, and improved aero elastic models to improve wind turbine performance and reliability. The close proximity of the University?s turbine to an existing wind farm provides the opportunity to study turbine-to-turbine wake interaction, wind farm interaction, and wind energy efficiencies. The Institute will develop and offer wind energy courses addressing the technical, operational, social, and environmental aspects of wind energy in consultation with the industry. Fellowships will be offered annually to masters and undergraduate students in wind energy engineering fields of study.

Senator Burris and the Democratic-led Congress passed the 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act that was signed into law by President Obama in February.

?I am pleased that vital Recovery Act funds are being directed to the Illinois Institute of Technology for these important projects.? said Senator Burris. ?These funds will ensure that the United States leads the way in wind power technology, and will spark the creation of much needed jobs?

Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced new investments in three university led wind energy facilities that will enhance the United States? leadership role in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world. The three selected universities are: Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Maine, and University of Minnesota.

Department of Energy?s Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program
www.windandhydro.energy.gov

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Senator Roland W. Burris Joins Freshman Democratic Senators in Debunking Myths of Health Insurance Reform on the Senate Floor

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

Senator Roland W. Burris Joins Freshman Democratic Senators in Debunking Myths of Health Insurance Reform on the Senate Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. ? Senator Roland W. Burris this morning joined seven of his fellow freshman Democratic Senate colleagues in back-to-back speeches on the Senate floor to deflate some of the myths spread by opponents of health insurance reform. This is the third time that the freshman Senators have taken to the Senate floor to discuss the urgent need to reform our broken health insurance system.

In addition to Senator Burris, the other freshman Democratic Senators also speaking from the floor included Tom Udall (D-NM); Michael F. Bennet (D-CO); Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE); Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH); Mark Warner (D-VA); Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Mark Begich (D-AK).

?45,000 Americans die every year because they don?t have health insurance and cannot get quality care,? said Senator Burris. ?The system is broken and the time for action is long past, and I believe it?s time to restore choice and accountability to the healthcare system. The only way to achieve meaningful healthcare reform and bring costs down is through a public option that creates real competition in the system. Let me be clear on this: I will not vote for any health bill that does not include a public option.?

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Wall Street Journal Names Senator Roland W. Burris One of Six Key Figures in Next Phase of Health Debate

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:11:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. ??The Wall Street Journal today named U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris one of the six Senator?s to watch in the next phase of the health care debate.

Senator Burris has emerged as a key player in the health care debate as the Senate begins to merge the Senate Finance Committee?s plan, passed yesterday, with the plan passed by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. With Republicans largely refusing to vote for the measure, every vote on the Democratic side has become that much more crucial to final passage of a health care reform bill.

While half of the sixty Democratic Senators have expressed their preference for the inclusion of a public option in a final healthcare reform plan, only Senator Burris has drawn a line in the sand, vowing to vote against any legislation that does not include a public option provision.

Burris, who is not seeking election at the end of his term, is in many ways immune from the political pressures many of his colleagues face. And Burris?s stance is a reminder that the Progressive Senators remain a force to be reckoned with within the Democratic caucus.

"As the health care debate moves to the Senate floor next week, we must come together with one common goal: passing health care reform legislation that ensures quality, affordable health care coverage for all Americans,? said Senator Burris. ?I am convinced that the inclusion of a public option in our health reform legislation is the best way to help meet our nation?s health care needs by encouraging competition, improving outcomes, and reducing costs ? and finally achieving the meaningful reform that all Americans deserve. I vow to work side-by-side with my Senate colleagues and will not rest until I make certain that a public option is a central component to any health care reform legislation. We should not settle for anything less, and I will not vote for any legislation that does not include a public option.?

Senator Burris, an outspoken proponent of the public option, has been addressing the importance of its inclusion in a final healthcare reform package each day from the Senate floor.

Wall Street Journal 10/14/09: People to Watch in the Debate?s Next Phase
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125547649535083655.html#printMode

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U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris Congratulates Colleagues on Committee Passage of Senate Finance Committee Health Care Reform Legislation

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. --United States Senator Roland W. Burris today voiced his praise for the members of the Senate Finance Committee on the passage of their version of the health care reform bill. Senator Burris feels that this is an important step in making real, meaningful health care reform a reality for our nation. The plan cleared the committee this afternoon by a vote of 14-9.

The Senate Finance Committee?s version of the health care reform legislation must now be merged with the bill that was passed in July by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, where Senator Burris is hopeful that the hybrid bill will include a public option.

"I would like to congratulate my colleagues on the Finance Committee for completing this important step in the process and moving real, meaningful healthcare reform one step closer to reality for tens of millions of American families," said Senator Burris. "I am disappointed that this version of the bill does not include a public option, but am hopeful that as the Finance bill and the HELP Committee bill are merged, the resulting hybrid plan will offer a reform package with a public option. I firmly believe that including a public option is vital to spur real competition, reduce costs, and achieve the meaningful reform that all Americans deserve. In the coming weeks, as my colleagues and I take up this legislation on the Senate floor, I will work hard to make sure a public plan is included in the final bill. Let me be clear on this: I will not vote for any measure that does not include a public option."

Senator Burris has been a vocal proponent for the public option, and is the only Democratic Senator who has vowed to vote against any health plan that does not include a public option.

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Senator Roland Burris Statement on President Obama Being Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

Fri, 9 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. --U.S Senator Roland W. Burris made the following statement today after the announcement of President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize:

"I send my congratulations to President Obama for being awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize and applaud the Nobel Committee for their selection. Throughout the course of his presidency, President Obama has a struck a new tone of cooperation with the international community and has improved America?s role throughout the world. While there are many challenges President Obama still faces, I am confident that his calls for diplomacy and international cooperation will continue to resonate throughout the United States, and the world."

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Senator Roland Burris Signs Letter Urging Inclusion of Public Option in Any Health Insurance Reform Legislation

Thu, 8 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Roland W. Burris and 29 fellow Senators signed a letter today urging the inclusion of a public option in any health reform legislation that will be considered on the Senate floor. To date, Senator Burris is the only Democratic Senator to vow he will vote against any bill that does not include a public option. This letter, and the additional 14 Senators that have previously expressed support for the public option through a resolution, letter, or by voting during committee markups, show a growing consensus that the path to true reform is through a health plan that includes the public option.

The letter, which was circulated by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), was signed by Brown; John D. Rockefeller (D-WV); Russell D. Feingold (D-WI); Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT); Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI); Tom Udall (D-NM); Kristen E. Gillibrand (D-NY); Roland W. Burris (D-IL); Ron Wyden (D-OR); Debbie Stabenow (D-MI); Barbara Boxer (D-CA); Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI); Michael F. Bennet (D-CO); Dianne Feinstein (D-CA); Jack Reed (D-RI); Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ); Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD); Al Franken (D-MN); Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA); Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD); Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI); Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE); Arlen Specter (D-PA); Maria Cantwell (D-WA); Robert Menendez (D-NJ); Bernard Sanders (I-VT); John F. Kerry (D-MA); Herb Kohl (D-WI); and Paul Kirk (D-MA).

“I will continue to be a strong advocate for the public option in any health insurance reform bill that comes before the Senate, and will not vote for a bill that does not include a public option,” Senator Burris said. “To accomplish our goal of providing quality, affordable health care to the American people, we need the inclusion of a public option. A public option will allow uninsured Americans to get the coverage they deserve, while injecting competition into the market which will control runaway profits and keep insurance company premiums affordable and fair. This is an issue that can no longer be ignored or delayed, and I look forward to getting an effective health insurance reform bill on President Obama’s desk before the end of this year.”

The Senators’ letter expresses concern that “absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option – health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment.”

It continues on to state that “the number one goal of health reform must be to look out for the best interests of the American people – patients and taxpayers alike – not the profit margins of insurance companies.”

A full copy of the letter can be found below.

October 8, 2009

The Honorable Harry Reid

Majority Leader

United States Senate

The Capitol, S-221

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Majority Leader Reid:

We have spent the better part of this year fighting for health reform that would provide insurance access and continuity to every American in a fiscally responsible manner. We are concerned that – absent a competitive and continuous public insurance option – health reform legislation will not produce nationwide access and ongoing cost containment. For that reason, we are asking for your leadership on ensuring that the merged health reform bill contains a public insurance option.

As it stands, the health insurance market is dominated by a handful of for-profit health insurers that are exempt from the anti-trust laws that ensure robust competition in other markets across the United States. Without a not-for-profit public insurance alternative that competes with these insurers based on premium rates and quality, insurers will have free rein to increase insurance premiums and drive up the cost of federal subsidies tied to those premiums. This is simply not fiscally sustainable.

We recognize that the two Committees with jurisdiction over health reform – the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee – have taken two very different approaches with respect to this issue. However, a strong public option has resounding support among Senate Democrats – every Democrat on HELP, three quarters of those on Finance, and what we believe is a majority of the caucus.

The Senate Finance Committee included a cooperative approach to insurance market competition. While promoting more co-ops may be a worthy goal, it is not realistic to expect local co-ops to spring up in every corner of this country. There are many areas of the country where the population is simply too small to sustain a local co-op plan. We are also concerned that the administrative costs associated with financing the start-up of multiple co-op plans would far outstrip the seed money required to establish a public health insurance program.

Opponents of health reform argue that a public option presents unfair competition to the private insurance companies. However, it is possible to create a public health insurance option that is modeled after private insurance – rates are negotiated and providers are not required to participate in the plan. As you know, this is the Senate HELP Committee’s approach. The major differences between the public option and for-profit plans are that the public plan would report to taxpayers, not to shareholders, and the public plan would be available continuously in all parts of the country. The number one goal of health reform must be to look out for the best interests of the American people – patients and taxpayers alike – not the profit margins of insurance companies.

Health reform is about improving access to health care, containing costs, and giving Americans a real choice in the insurance plan best suited to their needs. We urge you to fight for a sustainable health care system that ensures Americans the option of a public plan in the merged Senate bill.

Sincerely,

Sherrod Brown (D-OH) John D. Rockefeller (D-WV)

Russell D. Feingold (D-WI) Patrick J. Leahy (D-VT)

Daniel K. Akaka (D-HI) Tom Udall (D-NM)

Kristen E. Gillibrand (D-NY) Roland W. Burris (D-IL)

Ron Wyden (D-OR) Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

Michael F. Bennet (D-CO) Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

Jack Reed (D-RI) Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD)

Al Franken (D-MN) Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA)

Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD) Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI)

Edward E. Kaufman (D-DE) Arlen Specter (D-PA)

Maria Cantwell (D-WA) Robert Menendez (D-NJ)

Bernard Sanders (I-VT) John F. Kerry (D-MA)

Herb Kohl (D-WI) Paul Kirk (D-MA)

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U.S. Senator Roland W. Burris Applauds Efforts of Secretary Duncan, Attorney General Holder

Wed, 7 Oct 2009 00:10:00 GMT

CHICAGO – United States Senator Roland W. Burris today recognized U.S. Attorney Eric Holder and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan for their combined efforts to bring an end to youth violence.

Attorney General Holder and Education Secretary Duncan joined Mayor Daley in Chicago today, holding a press conference to discuss the Obama Administration’s commitment to ending youth violence in Chicago and communities across the country. Also present at the press conference were Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott; Chicago Public Schools CEO Ron Huberman; and Elizabeth Dozier, the Principal of Fenger High School, where 16-year-old honor student Derrion Albert was beaten to death late last month.

“Violence among youth is not a problem unique to Chicago or Illinois – it’s a national epidemic,” said Senator Burris. “As leaders we need to stand shoulder-to-shoulder to take back our streets, repair our communities and save our kids. I intend to be fully engaged as we work at the city, state, and federal levels to bring an end to this senseless violence. I applaud Mayor Daley, Eric Huberman, Secretary Duncan and Attorney General Holder for coming together to take meaningful steps to initiate this crucial dialogue.”

Last Week, Senator Burris spoke from the floor of the United States Senate to bring attention to the brutal murder of Derrion Albert, calling for an end to youth violence and increased community intervention and involvement on making our streets safer.

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