Political Quotes

“It has been 9 long years since the District of Columbia passed the Health Care Benefits Expansion Act. The locally approved law has never taken effect, however, because each year Congress has banned the use of Federal or local money to implement the program. This is unfortunate. Let us put an end to this today, this congressional meddling. Mr. Chairman, defeat the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon). Let the District of Columbia do what hundreds of other local governments and private businesses have done. It is a humanitarian measure. It grants not only gay and lesbian couples the same protections against illnesses as married heterosexual couples, but also extends the benefits to disabled people, to live-in health care providers, a single man or woman caring for an elderly parent, and other living situations not traditionally covered by health insurance. Let the bill stand as is. Vote against the Weldon amendment.”