Congressional TriCaucus joins Progressive Caucus on Public Option

There are now 120 Democrats in the House of Representatives who will not vote for health care reform that does not include a robust public option.

Members of the Congressional TriCaucus - comprised of the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus - along with the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which together make up nearly 120 Members of the House and Senate, today held a press conference to reiterate their call that any Health Care reform must include a public health plan option.

This is very good news for those of us who want real health care reform. By drawing a line in the sand on the public option, these House members are sending a message that watered-down, in-name-only reform will not pass. That means conflicted Representatives and Senators will not be able to please both their insurance industry patrons and their constituents who expect health care reform this year.