On the recordMarch 21, 2010
I feel so privileged to be part of a Congress that is on the threshold of making history. Since Teddy Roosevelt and all Presidents forward, we have struggled in our country to provide something for our people that has eluded them. As the Catholic sisters said as they urged us to vote for this legislation, they called it 'life affirming.' I think the step that we take this evening will perfect the union in our country. Why? Because the human body holds the soul. And when we help to cure, when we help to heal, when we recognize the dignity of every single American, that they have first-class citizenship and that they should indeed have health care coverage. This is a landmark piece of legislation. I feel privileged that my constituents have sent me here to cast a vote for it, and I urge everyone to do so. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the landmark comprehensive health care reform that is before us. For the first time in history, Congress will pass legislation to finally insure all Americans. This legislation will reduce the deficit by $143 billion over 10 years and $1.2 trillion over 20; eliminate discriminatory insurance practices, and open the insurance market to millions of Americans who have been priced out. More than a century has passed since Teddy Roosevelt first called for health care reform. Nineteen presidents later, we stand on the threshold of history as we prepare to vote on this historic legislation.
