John Garamendi: “That is yet again an example of what is seen every day in every community in this Nation. There is a denial of coverage…”

“That is yet again an example of what is seen every day in every community in this Nation. There is a denial of coverage by the insurance companies. And for those who have no insurance, they face a situation of death, bankruptcy, and the loss of their jobs. It is not necessary. Now, we have talked about the cost in the system, and perhaps this is where we will let this discussion end today. This Nation is spending 17.5 percent of its total wealth on health care. Our competitors around the world, not including China, which is completely different, but the other industrialized nations of the world, Japan, Korea, the European countries, spend 10 percent or less of their wealth on health care. In all of those countries, they have universally available health care, different kinds of systems, but it is universally available. We are pending 17.5. They are spending 10. You would think with that additional expenditure we would be healthier. Unfortunately, we are not. We don't live as long. Our children die earlier. Our women die in childbirth more often. Our health care statistics rank us in the range of the nation of Colombia. This is a tragedy for America, and it is a blot on our reputation in America.”