WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Kay R. Hagan (D-NC) tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama's address on health care reform to a Joint Session of Congress.

"Tonight President Obama addressed Congress and the nation about his vision for health care reform. He said we need to provide security and stability to people who have insurance, expand access to health insurance to those who do not, and slow down the exploding costs of health care.

"The President is dedicated, as I am, to strengthening our existing, employer-based system. We agree the reform package must stabilize costs, expand coverage and ensure that a preexisting condition does not prevent anyone from obtaining health insurance. As I have said all along and the President just confirmed - people who like their current insurance and doctors will keep them. The President also wants to create more competition in the insurance market and help small businesses provide health insurance coverage, which I believe are critical components for inclusion in the final bill.

"The President was adamant that health care reform will not add to our federal deficit now or in the future. He specifically said he would not sign a bill that adds one dime to our deficit, which has been a requirement of mine all along.

"I agree with President Obama that our country needs health care reform that stabilizes costs and provides security to our families. A medical condition should never cause a family to declare bankruptcy."