Chris Van Hollen: “Once again the House is voting on legislation that strengthens the new health care reform law that was enacted earlier…”

“Once again the House is voting on legislation that strengthens the new health care reform law that was enacted earlier this week which will bring quality, affordable, and accessible health care for all Americans. Tonight, we bring this exhaustive, year-long process to a close. The new health reform law will bring down health care costs for American families and small businesses, expand health coverage to an additional 32 million Americans, and end the abusive practices of insurance companies. By the end of this year, children with pre-existing conditions will no longer be denied coverage, health plans will be prohibited from placing lifetime caps on coverage, young people will be able to remain on their parents' health insurance policies up to their 26th birthday, small businesses will get tax credits so that they can provide affordable health coverage to their employees, and seniors will get help in paying for their high prescription drug costs. Mr. Speaker, I'm glad we finally got the job done on a very important issue that so many people have fighting for over so many decades.”