What was once a distant dream is now a vibrant reality. After almost a century, President Barack Obama signed the Health Care Reform Bill into law on Tuesday. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, also a strong advocate for health care reform and women’s issues, is credited with getting the historical legislation passed. According to the New York Times, she has been the driving force behind the ambitions of the Democratic Party. Pelosi has been fighting relentlessly for health care reform for decades. Now, at almost 70 years old, she received what she’s been working to attain.
Nancy Pelosi’s success serves as a testimony to women everywhere, not only those pursuing careers in the political arena. Studies show that women are affected by problems concerning healthcare more so than men. This may be due to women taking on most of the health care responsibilities in their homes. Southern California Public Radio interviewed Ruth Mandel, director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University. “She has not only demonstrated that she knows how to be an effective legislator,” said Mandel, “But also a leader.”
Pelosi’s victory has shown the progress women have made in the United States and the need for more women in politics. In a nation dominated by men, Pelosi proves to everyone that women are quite capable of holding their own in politics. This is one monumental step up the ladder of equality for women, but Pelosi’s drive and determination have nothing to do with her gender. She is a true leader, and leaders, whether male or female, will stand out among the masses.
It is predicted that most Americans will not see the benefits of the bill until 2014; however, do not overlook the importance of understanding the significance of the bill.
“The Health Care Reform Bill represents the most important health care legislation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid, and perhaps the most important since Congress first began considering national health care reform in 1943. This legislation will do more than make history: it will make a difference,” Dr. Jonathan Oberlander stated in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The bill will provide billions of dollars to make health insurance more affordable for lower income families. Whether insured or uninsured, young or old, all groups of people will have access to medical services and more lives will be saved. The bill will also aid in reducing the federal deficit.