As is the ritual in Washington every two years, this month Congress began a new legislative session with Republican John Boehner (R-OH) holding the Speaker’s gavel. In remarks opening the 112th Session, Speaker Boehner recognized the enormous challenges of our times, including the staggering national unemployment rate and mounting federal budget deficit. Boehner also acknowledged that health care costs are continuing to rise for families and small businesses. Boehner told the new class of lawmakers, “Hard work and tough decisions will be required of the 112th Congress. No longer can we fall short.”

On this we agree.

However, in light of this call to action it is disappointing that repealing health reform is at the top of Speaker Boehner’s agenda for the new Congress. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, health reform will not only reduce the budget deficit in the next ten years by more than $100 billion, it also will ensure that an estimated 32 million Americans who are uninsured or underinsured can get high quality, affordable health coverage they can rely on.

Speaker Boehner is right. American families are still suffering because our health care system is broken. However, the Affordable Care Act is a responsible and cost-effective investment in the health and health care of every American. Repealing health reform would turn back the clock, especially for our nation’s children. If you care about the American Dream, investing in and protecting the health of our nation’s children isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s one of the best investments we can make as a nation.

PS: To read more personal stories about how health care reform is helping families or to add your own, check out this map.

You can take action by signing this petition to keep America moving forward on health reform!