Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-Dover) released the following statement after President Barack Obama's address to a Joint Session of Congress tonight.

I commend the President for his efforts to move our country forward on the meaningful health care reform that has been lacking for decades. The last month for me has been filled with stories of businesses, non profits, individuals and even health care providers who just received health care premium increases of up to 39 percent. These increases are unfair, unsustainable, and unpatriotic. As long as private insurers are allowed to charge whatever they want, our national interest will come second. I believe that the most effective way to rein in private insurance companies' abuses and charges is a robust public option. My vote will be based on whether the plan we come up with reduces costs for the middle class, ends insurance company abuses, and increases stable quality care and access for all Americans. The public option is a powerful tool that would accomplish these goals. I am going to continue fighting as hard as I can for the public option to be included in health care reform. As the President and Congress continue to work on and debate reform proposals, the voices I value the most will continue to be those of my constituents. I'm going to keep listening and engaging in honest and open discussions with as many people as I can while we work together on reform that will benefit all Americans.

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