“Recent comments by Obama Administration officials regarding the public option and health reform are deeply troubling.

“Any bill without a public health insurance plan like Medicare is not health reform.

“Without a public option there will be no way to keep insurance companies honest and their rates down. A public health option that competes with private insurers will set standards that could help lower costs and improve access.

“The Congressional Black Caucus remains committed to ensuring that health reform is meaningful and that means making sure the a public option is part of the package.”