On the recordJanuary 6, 2011
I first want to extend the sympathies of Colorado and of the Representatives to our friends from Nebraska. We suffered the Columbine tragedy a number of years ago, so we definitely understand how painful something like this is. Mr. Speaker, the purpose for me rising today is to talk about what has been given to this country in the form of the Constitution, particularly in the 14th Amendment. I would say to my friend from Texas, ``nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.'' Until we passed that affordable health care act, people with pre-existing conditions were being denied equal protection of the laws. We passed that. They now have freedom from discrimination. Yet my friends on the Republican side of the aisle want to take away that freedom. That's wrong. That's wrong for people in my district and for millions of people across the country because they, their kids, their families, and their friends have different physical conditions that require attention and must be covered and not discriminated against.
