To The Telegram:
I commend the Daily Telegram for its Nov. 8 editorial calling on Congress to "launch a progressive discussion" on health care reform.
Americans are rightly demanding health care reform, yet Congress has been unable to agree on the best approach to fix the system. That is why I have been working with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on an approach to break the political stalemate in Congress over health care reform. Earlier this year, we introduced the State-Based Health Care Reform Act, which would launch pilot programs in several states to help those states ensure health care coverage for all their citizens in the best way they see fit.
States could expand current programs, implement single payer systems, or adopt completely new ideas in their efforts to cover the uninsured. By helping states try different approaches, we can launch a discussion about the best way to ensure all Americans receive the health care they need.
The Daily Telegram is right to recognize that Congress can learn from health care reform in Wisconsin and other states. With help from Congress, even more states can take the lead in providing all Americans with access to good, affordable health care.
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-- Russ Feingold,
United States senator
