Current Economic Crisis Requires Quick Action, not More Stonewalling in Washington

Washington, DC - President Obama's nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services has yet to be confirmed by the Senate despite her proven commitment to bipartisanship. Earlier this week, the Senate Finance Committee confirmed Governor Kathleen Sebelius with bipartisan support, but obstructionists from the Republican 'Party of NO' are once again playing politics. American families, caught between surging costs for healthcare and an unstable economy, are the real victims of the continued delay of Sebelius' nomination.

Working families have been waiting a long time for the Federal Government to address our healthcare crisis," stated Anna Burger, Secretary-Treasurer of the Service Employees International Union. "Now that we're so close, this delay in approving Governor Sebelius for HHS is unconscionable. Reining in healthcare costs will dramatically improve our economy and the lives of working Americans."

As Republicans in Washington drag their feet on Governor Sebelius' nomination, Americans continue to struggle with substandard care and crushing costs. Real and thoughtful reform of the healthcare system will reduce the costs of healthcare for individual families, reduce waste and inefficiencies in the system, and could guarantee quality, affordable care for everyone in America. The financial impact of a healthcare system in disarray has long been a leading cause of bankruptcy and foreclosures.

"Never before have we had such a consensus regarding the immediate and desperate need for reform," continued Ms. Burger. "As Secretary of HHS, Governor Sebelius will play a central role in comprehensive reform of America's healthcare system. Every day that passes without a leader in this vital role we risk losing critical momentum to develop solutions and begin turning our economy around."

For weeks, SEIU has been gathering signatures requesting the Senate's swift confirmation of Governor Sebelius. The petition is online at http://action.seiu.org/page/s/confirmsebelius.

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