You know, a lot of us have been barraged with phone calls like your mother said to you. She believed you, didn't she?

Good. And I hope that what you have said has now convinced many others. But it is really wrong, I think, to put out information that really causes older Americans who are so dependent on Medicare, and that is most of the people on Medicare…

One of the great things that you pointed out is that Medicare was passed in 1965, but we continue to work to improve it, to make it better, to even expand the coverage so that it is more affordable for the elderly. This is a work in…

Let's talk a little bit more about that, about why it is that the insurance industry would be against this bill. Because you could say, Well, 30 million more people are going to go into the insurance market. Why wouldn't they want more…

I want to talk a little bit about something else that stops right away. And that's what is perhaps the meanest of all the insurance company practices, and this is called rescission. Which in plain English means canceling your health…

I'm so happy to be here tonight, particularly after I have heard what my colleagues had to say. One of them said, Our people need to hear the truth about the health care legislation. That's exactly what we're going to talk about tonight…

Seventy-five percent of them already have health insurance. They're going bankrupt.

Let's talk about rates for a minute. We had testimony from customers of Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, which is owned by Wellpoint. We also had the CEO of Wellpoint, a woman named Angela Braley, who I suppose it was somewhat rude for me to…

The do nothing deal is better than the plan that they say is good for Americans.

The utter hypocrisy of the debate about process is absolutely astonishing. I just learned that Speaker Hastert used the technique of a self-executing rule 113 times. Then we hear the Republicans attack reconciliation--which really means a…

As we are here today on the House floor, at this very moment the Democratic leadership of the House of Representatives is smiling and dialing. They are calling Members of Congress on the other side of the aisle, cajoling them and coaxing…

Madam President, I thank my colleague from Virginia and the distinguished Senator from Rhode Island. It is a pleasure for me to join in this very important discussion in the Senate. I am proud to join my Democratic colleagues on the floor…

The United States and Israel have long shared an important friendship. That friendship is rooted in close moral and strategic bonds built on common values, common interests, and common concerns. Today, that friendship is being tested, but…

I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Byrd) is necessarily absent.

I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Byrd), is necessarily absent.

I announce that the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. Byrd) and the Senator from Montana (Mr. Tester) are necessarily absent. I further announce that if present and voting, the Senator from Montana (Mr. Tester) would vote ``yea.''

I ask unanimous consent that the committee substitute be agreed to, the bill, as amended, be read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements relating…

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 216, S. 1147. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title. The assistant legislative clerk read as follows: A…