WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Conyers, Jr. announced that the United Auto Workers have endorsed H.R. 676: The United States National Health Insurance Act.  This legislation would insure every person in the U.S. for all necessary medical care, including prescription drugs.

“With the UAW endorsing H.R. 676, the United States National Health Insurance Act,” said Conyers, “this legislation is gaining tremendous momentum.”  He added, “H.R. 676 will ensure that all Americans have health insurance while simultaneously providing Americans the freedom and flexibility that they deserve when choosing their medical care providers.

Joining the UAW in supporting this comprehensive legislation are over 155 local labor unions and three international labor unions, including the United Electrical, Radio, & Machine Workers, United Steel Workers of America, and the Petroleum, Atomic, & Chemical Workers.  Six additional international unions, including the National Education Association and the Teamsters, support a single payer health care system.

The number of Americans underinsured or without health insurance is startling.  Between 45-75 million Americans are currently uninsured, and an additional 50 million are underinsured.  Under H.R. 676, Medicare would be extended and improved so that all individuals residing in the United States would receive high quality and affordable health care services.  They would get a national health insurance card and receive all medically necessary services by the physicians of their choice, with no restrictions on what providers they could visit.

There are currently 72 members of congress supporting H.R. 676. With the support of the United Auto Workers, the prospect that the Congress will address health care for all is significantly improving.”

###7-17-2006###