Political Quotes

“I once again would commend the chairman and ranking member of this committee for the manner in which they have been able to bring this bill before us. This amendment seeks to make sure that Congress has the necessary information regarding prevailing health disparities by requiring an annual report to be submitted beginning with the fiscal year 2003 regarding prevailing disparities in health care delivery as it relates to racial factors and socioeconomic factors. Racial and ethnic minority populations are among the fastest growing of all communities in America. Unfortunately, as African Americans, Hispanic, American Indians, Asian Americans and other Pacific Islanders in many respects have continued to grow, so too have their disparities in health care. These groups have poorer health and remain chronically underserved by the health care system. Significant gaps in health data still exist, as we have not kept pace with growth of these population groups with health care infrastructure and personnel. Historically, participation in research and data gathering activities on the part of some minority groups has been modest, and especially among African Americans, who are wary of research and researchers, stemming in part from knowledge of the Tuskegee experiment.”