The just-released statement from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) following a report from the Congressional Budget Office that the panel’s
“„Our balanced approach to health reform has paid off yet again with the news today that the America’s Healthy Future Act remains fully paid for, begins to reduce the federal deficit within ten years and makes significant reductions in federal debt over the next several decades. Most importantly, it improves and expands health care coverage for tens of millions of American families.
“„This legislation is a smart investment on the federal balance sheet, and it’s an even smarter investment for American families, businesses and our economy. Health reform will modernize the health care system for the 21st century by reducing inefficiencies, focusing on quality and ensuring we are getting the best bang for our health care buck. Health reform should be fiscally responsible as it expands and improves coverage and these numbers reiterate that real reform can be just that.