Bob Dole: “Today the Senate must make a decision that will affect the entire state of our health care system. For years, America…”

“Today the Senate must make a decision that will affect the entire state of our health care system. For years, America has enjoyed world-class health care. We have led the way in cures and treatments, we have developed the latest and the best technologies, and we have ensured that our doctors are trained in ground-breaking procedures. Indeed, our Nation has accomplished much in the area of health care. But today the future of our world-renowned health care system sits in the balance as this Senate mulls two very important choices. Will we succumb to some trial lawyers who have nearly crippled the system by filing hundreds of frivolous lawsuits each year? Or will we do the right thing and place limits on these lawsuits and the big-money fees lawyers earn off of them, so that our doctors can have the peace of mind they need to do the job they love? I challenge my colleagues to do the latter. America is in the midst of a crisis. Those who need health care, the most vulnerable and sickest among us, are the real victims. We have all heard their stories. Too many of our patients can't get doctors, can't get specialists, can't get health care. In North Carolina, rural residents have been among the hardest hit. Patients tell stories of driving miles just to find a doctor to treat an illness. There have been reports of women driving for miles and miles just to find someone to deliver their baby. This is beyond unacceptable.”