Political Quotes

“The amendment before us, offered by the Senator from West Virginia, is one of critical importance across the Nation. In Illinois, we have cities large and small, hospitals large and small; but we have health care needs that are universal. Whether you live in small town America or in the middle of Chicago, there is genuine concern about health care and its cost. Now, one of the groups of Americans that we have made a special effort to try to help are those who are in low-income situations. The Medicaid Program is an effort by our country to say that no matter how poor you might be, whatever your economic circumstances, we will not let you go without basic medical care. That has been a commitment in place for almost 50 years, and it is one that I think we honor as Members of the Senate, both Democrats and Republicans. What the Senator from West Virginia challenges us to face is the fact that the amount of money we are sending to the States to meet that obligation is not enough.”