U.S. Senator Patty Murray gave a speech Wednesday on the floor of the Senate urging her colleagues to support the health insurance reform bill.

Murray told over a number of the stories sent to her by Washington state families that she has shared with her colleagues over the past few months that demonstrate the need for reform. In her speech, Senator Murray highlighted the specific benefits of the comprehensive Senate health insurance reform bill to Washington state families and small business owners.

Senator Murray retold the stories of Janet, from Seattle; Joseph from Port Orchard; Mark, from Port Townsend; Patricia, from Woodinville; and Marcelas Owens, a young man she met in Seattle whose mother lost her job, lost her insurance, and ultimately lost her life.

This speech came on the eve of tomorrow morning’s Senate vote for final passage of the bill.

Key excerpts:

“Over the past few months I have tried to ensure the struggles of residents in my home state are represented in this debate. I told my colleagues the stories I have received in over 10,000 letters and e-mails—at roundtables and on the phone. Stories told to me too often by men and women with tears in their eyes, or a quiver in their voice-- people who are not looking for a handout or a free ride, but who are pleading for a fair system. A system that works for families or businesses like theirs.”

“Health insurance reform is going to come too late for Tifanny—but her story is why we need to reform the health insurance system. Real people. Real stories. Real needs. That is why we are here now, that is why we need to get this done.”

“I want to thank the more than 10,000 people in my home state of Washington who sent me their personal health care stories. Their input has helped guide me as I worked on this bill, and has served as a constant and welcome reminder about who I am here to represent. I urge my colleagues to stand with these families—and with the families and small business owners in their states and across the country who desperately need reform. Health insurance reform has been a long time coming, but today we stand closer than ever to making it a reality.”