WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Congressman Berry released the following statement regarding his meeting with Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, earlier this week. During the meeting, they discussed a variety of issues including the upcoming health care reform legislation as well as the importance of supporting rural health care programs.

"I am grateful Secretary Sebelius was able to meet with me about important health care issues facing Arkansas's First Congressional District.  This initial meeting was productive, and I am glad the Secretary was willing to listen to all of my thoughts on health care, particularly issues facing our rural health care providers and their patients. Since health care reform is a top legislative priority this year in Congress, we discussed how we could work together to improve our health care system.  We must find a way to lower costs and protect the rights of Americans to choose their own doctors and insurance plans.

"I look forward to working with Secretary Sebelius to find a fiscally responsible way to provide Americans with access to an affordable, high-quality plan that will adequately address their health care needs," said Berry.

Congressman Berry is the Vice-Chair of the Blue Dog Health Task Force and the only former pharmacist serving in the House of Representatives.