[StBernard] A historic moment

[Westley Annis]

Westley --

Although it's Christmas Eve, I wanted to share some exciting news: The
Senate just passed a historic health reform bill.

In all the back and forth, it's easy to lose sight of what this incredible
breakthrough really means. But consider this: This Christmas, there are
millions of Americans without health insurance who risk losing everything if
they get sick.

There are mothers and fathers who wonder how they'll provide for their
children because an illness has wiped out their savings. There are small
business owners who worry that they'll have to lay off a long-time employee
because the cost of insurance is rapidly rising.

If we finish the job, all this can change. We will have beaten back the
special interests who have for so long perpetuated the status quo. We will
have enacted the most important piece of social policy since the Social
Security Act in the 1930s, and the most important health reform since
Medicare in the 1960s.

In Decembers to come, millions more will have access to affordable coverage.
Parents will have the security and stability of knowing their insurance
can't be revoked at a moment's notice. And the skyrocketing costs plaguing
our small businesses will be brought under control.

When you make calls, write letters, organize, this is the change you're
making -- a better life for your family and for men and women in every
state.

There is still more to do before I can sign reform into law -- a last round
of negotiations and final votes in the Senate and the House -- and I'm
counting on your help every step of the way. But for now, I hope that as you
celebrate this holiday season, you remember that the work you are doing is
making our union more perfect, one step at a time. For that, I am grateful
to you.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays,

President Barack Obama

P.S. -- Organizing for America supporters are signing a note of appreciation
to all the senators who have worked so hard to make this possible. I hope
you'll join them: