Debbie Dingell: “Today the House has a signal opportunity to do the right thing for the American people. S. 1044, legislation to…”

“Today the House has a signal opportunity to do the right thing for the American people. S. 1044, legislation to reauthorize the health centers program, gives us that chance. This is good legislation. But, more importantly, these are good programs; necessary programs; programs that care about people and help people. Earlier in this Congress, we heard a lot about why and how this country should care for its vulnerable citizens--children, young mothers, low-income senior citizens, struggling middle-class working families. We disagreed strongly--and we still disagree--about the philosophy and policy this country must pursue to protect its people. Today, I hope, we will see no such disagreement, for today we will talk about programs that truly are 'motherhood and apple pie' (made from Michigan apples, of course). For many years, health centers have been the bastion and the fortress of high-quality health care for people who otherwise have no access to care. They have provided this care to every person, regardless of health insurance status or ability to pay for services.”