Lucille Roybal-Allard: “this week the Nation is celebrating National Public Health Week, and I can think of no better way for this House to have…”

“this week the Nation is celebrating National Public Health Week, and I can think of no better way for this House to have begun the celebration than by the passage of today's packet of critical bipartisan public health legislation. I commend Chairman Dingell and Chairman Pallone for their leadership in helping to pass this group of bills which will make a significant contribution to improving our environment and the quality of our Nation's health. Regrettably, I was unable to return from Los Angeles in time to be a part of today's floor discussion. I am particularly pleased, however, that the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, S. 1858, as amended by my bill, H.R. 3825, was one of the public health bills that passed today. I extend my sincere thanks to my colleagues, Congressman Michael Simpson, Tom Reynolds, and Henry Waxman for their original cosponsorship of H.R. 3825, the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act. Their commitment and steadfast efforts have helped make possible the passage of this significant piece of legislation. In addition, I thank Senators Dodd, Orrin Hatch, Hillary Clinton, and Edward Kennedy for championing the Senate companion bill, S. 1858. I also thank the coalition of public health groups, especially the March of Dimes, for working with us over the last 4 years on this critical issue. Madam Speaker, approximately 5,000 babies are born each year with detectable and treatable disorders.…”