Michael Bilirakis: “contrary to popular belief, there is agreement on health reform legislation. My colleague, the gentleman from Georgia…”

“contrary to popular belief, there is agreement on health reform legislation. My colleague, the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Rowland] and I recently introduced the Health Reform Consensus Act, legislation that includes consensus health items, areas of agreement that so many believe must be addressed now. Mr. Speaker, who does not support insurance portability? Who does not believe that people with preexisting conditions have a right to purchase health insurance at a reasonable price just like everybody else? And who can argue against controlling fraud in our health care system--that unnecessary paperwork should be eliminated, that malpractice law must be reformed? The health consensus bill would address these issues so that this could be enacted into law this year. Mr. Speaker, we see our legislation as a starting point for reform, a reasonable beginning in resolving our Nation's health care problems. Mr. Speaker, if we enact into law these important consensus items, many Americans would benefit and costs would be reduced. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to show the American people we want change by supporting action now on health reform.”