Harley Rouda: “Woman, we are at a crossroads in our country. When we look at the global stage, there are approximately 200 countries…”

“Woman, we are at a crossroads in our country. When we look at the global stage, there are approximately 200 countries, of which 40 are industrialized, developed countries. Of those 40 industrialized, developed countries, 39 of them have universal healthcare. Only one does not, the wealthiest, greatest country in the history of the world. That is why we have tens of millions of individuals in our country without insurance. We know that preexisting conditions have to be covered because when we look at the fact that this country spends 18.5 percent of its GDP on healthcare, almost double what these other industrialized, developed countries spend, you would think the United States of America has the healthiest people in the world. Madam Chairwoman, that is not the case. I am sad to report that most critical criteria when looking at Americans' healthcare, we are in the bottom quartile, even though we spend 18.5 percent of our GDP. We know that the inability to pay healthcare costs is a leading cause of involuntary bankruptcy and homelessness. Preexisting conditions is the underlying reason for those two things. That is why we must make sure that we protect affordable healthcare in the United States through the act, and make sure that preexisting conditions are covered today and tomorrow for future generations. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.”