Washington, D.C., August 2, 2006— Former Senator John Breaux’s Ceasefire on Health Care campaign released the most recent installment today of the campaign’s podcast series, featuring commentary from former HHS Secretaries Donna Shalala and Tommy Thompson. The two top-ranking health policy officials discussed their views on the Medicare Modernization Act and the effect the Massachusetts law on mandatory health insurance will have on the nation. The Ceasefire on Health Care campaign is sponsored by American University’s Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS).

 

“We are very fortunate to have the participation of former HHS Secretaries Donna Shalala and Tommy Thompson,” said Senator Breaux. “With the influence of two of the most well-respected health care experts in the nation, the Ceasefire on Health Care campaign will be able to effect meaningful change in our health care system. Taking notice of and listening carefully to what they say will be essential in helping to deliver better quality of care for those who need it.”

 

The fourth episode in the podcast, which is available today for download at the campaign Web site at www.ceasefireonhealthcare.org and posted through Yahoo!, Google, Odeo, PodNova and iTunes, provides listeners with insight into the top health care reform issues including the rising health care costs and the increasing number of uninsured Americans. The podcast will be updated each Wednesday throughout the summer and fall until the elections in November, with each episode specifically focused on a different health care reform topic.

 

Upcoming podcasts will also feature comments from participants in previous Ceasefire bipartisan forums, including former Senators Tom Daschle and Don Nickles; Senators Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Gordon Smith (R-OR); and former White House spokespersons Ari Fleischer and Mike McCurry.

 

Professor James A. Thurber, director of CCPS said, “Senator Breaux has demonstrated his commitment to improving the nation’s health care policies and eliminate the usual rhetoric surrounding the issue. We are pleased to sponsor this campaign.” 

 

For more information, please visit www.ceasefireonhealthcare.org.