The reality that crafting the right approach is arduous in no way obviates our responsibility to make it happen. Everyone has differing opinions on how to tackle this historic challenge. Yet, virtually every person I’ve encountered — throughout Maine and America — understands unequivocally, even if they have health insurance, that the current system is broken — and that this is not a solution in search of a problem. Given the gravity of this landmark endeavor — there should be no question this undertaking commands a painstaking process and the requisite time for full consideration of the spectrum of alternatives and improvements — and to ensure the numbers “add up” within the final product — as we are the only committee of jurisdiction with respect to financing a package. The implications of this legislation are simply too broad and monumental to do otherwise. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this landmark endeavor to strengthen America’s health security today, and for the generations to come.

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