While much of America was asleep last night, the Senate Republicans voted on a bill to rip health care away from 16 million people. They voted, they voted and finally they failed.
When my head finally hit the pillow at 3:30 am, I slept a little better. I slept better -- knowing that everyone else can sleep a little better too.
- The millions of people who were going to lose their health care coverage under the Republicans' "skinny repeal" bill can keep their coverage -- and sleep a little better.
- Everyone with private health insurance whose costs were going to skyrocket at least 20% under the Republicans' "skinny repeal" bill won't see the Republican spike -- and can sleep a little better.
- Everyone who depends on Planned Parenthood for basic medical care can sleep a little better.
- And everyone who simply cares about the health and security of their family, friends, neighbors -- their fellow human beings -- can sleep a little better.
The energy inside the Capitol a few hours ago didn't come from senators like me. It came from people like you. People who made calls, sent letters and emails, attended town halls, organized a protest, posted and tweeted stories, and spoke out to their friends and neighbors. Your work made a difference.
Please celebrate. Have an extra coffee today. Do a little dance. Hug someone you love.
People like McConnell and Ryan, people who are willing to take away health care from millions of Americans, will be with us for a long time -- so we have to be vigilant. But please, enjoy this moment.
THANK YOU. You make these victories possible. We really and truly couldn't do it without you.
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