Bart Stupak: “I would like to take special note of the work he has done in this area, in bringing this health care and health issue to…”

“I would like to take special note of the work he has done in this area, in bringing this health care and health issue to the attention of the American public, and also Ms. DeLauro, who has been here night after night helping raise the level of consciousness of what is really going on in this country and in this Congress. As I sat in my office tonight, I heard you speak of what the Speaker had said about trying to get Medicare, ``We will let it wither on the vine,'' and Mr. Dole bragging about how in 1965, he fought against Medicare. Then I was pleased to come down tonight to join you and Mr. Klink. We sit on the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment, which has jurisdiction over Medicare and Medicaid. Who do they trust to look after the health care needs of this Nation? Is it going to be the President or citizen Bob Dole? As we take a look at it, I think more than just words we should look beyond the words.”