What your leaders said about health care

Melissa Bean, a Barrington Democrat

"The main objective is making sure to expand affordable coverage; making it available for those who don't have it and securing it or those who already have health insurance." The legislation would prevent "companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions. It would end caps."

Judy Biggert, a Hinsdale Republican

"Any broader package should include the key elements of meaningful medical malpractice reform, Association Health Plans for small businesses, and extended coverage for pre-existing conditions. "Eliminating the waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare system is critical to cutting costs and protecting the benefits of seniors. "There are many areas where I think members from both sides of the aisle can find common ground. "The question is whether congressional leaders continue with a my-way-or-the-highway approach, or whether they are ready to consider alternative ideas that don't gamble with our nation's medical and financial future."

Bill Foster, a Batavia Democrat

"The most important single thing is to eliminate the possibility for people to be uninsurable, due to pre-existing conditions for example. "I favor the public option as long as it's a true competitor with the private industry."

Regarding his preference for health care reform: "Everybody would be required to have health insurance."

Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican

Comments from Kirk spokesman Aaron Winters: "Unlike Speaker Pelosi's trillion dollar government-run option that would add $295 billion to the deficit and cut $160 billion from Medicare, Congressman Kirk's proposal would protect Medicare, end lawsuit abuse, expand electronic medical records, allow Americans to buy health insurance across state lines and, most importantly, prohibit the government from rationing care or overruling the judgment of your family physician."

Don Manzullo, a Rockford-area Republican

"House Democrat leaders have not asked for my input or the suggestions of my Republican colleagues in the health care bill they drafted. "I have little hope that these suggestions will be considered."

Peter Roskam, a Wheaton Republican

"For real reform, we need to meaningfully lower costs, ensure greater access to care and enhance the doctor-patient relationship. "I believe there's a real appetite for true bipartisan health care reform, without a government-run public option. "The government-run public option will cost trillions, explode the deficit and limit quality of care. Bad policy with a huge price tag isn't something I'll support."

Jan Schakowsky, an Evanston Democrat

"Without a robust public option I won't vote for the legislation. "I think the public option is the only way to do it. "I think we are headed in that direction."

Roland Burris, a Chicago Democrat

"A public option is the best way to create real competition, and should be a central component of any meaningful reform legislation. "I am confident we will not only pass health care reform before the end of this year, but will arrive at a plan that includes a public option."

Dick Durbin, a Springfield Democrat

"The health insurance reform should make sure that companies can't deny coverage because of pre-existing conditions. They can't cancel your policy because you are sick. "I support the public option. I believe it would create competition and bring down the costs. But if there are other alternatives, I'm open to them."