'A Monumentally Important Victory for Our Country'

WASHINGTON, March 21 /PRNewswire/ -- "Tonight's historic vote marks a major milestone in the struggle to break the power of the insurance industry and provide quality, affordable health care for millions of American families.  Democrats in the House, with the determined leadership of President Barack Obama and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, demonstrated the courage that is necessary to defeat the special interests and do what is right for the American people.  AFSCME members will remember those who stood with us and those who stood with the insurance industry.  I have told Senator Harry Reid that we intend to continue our efforts as the battle moves to the U.S. Senate.  Together, we will not fail.  Tonight, we celebrate a monumentally important victory for our country.  Tomorrow, we get back to work in the fight to make health care reform happen."

AFSCME's Make America Happen campaign for health care reform has been the largest issue mobilization campaign in the union's history, generating more than 400,000 phone calls and letters to Congress.  In addition, the 1.6 million member union has invested in an aggressive $10 million television, online and print advertising campaign, along with an unprecedented use of texting and new media.

SOURCE American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees