John Conyers: “this week the census bureau released a report showing that for the first time since 1998, the number of uninsured…”

“this week the census bureau released a report showing that for the first time since 1998, the number of uninsured children increased. Of the 8.3 million children without health insurance, minority children constitute a disproportionate share. The latest census figures also show that a record 46.6 Americans lack health insurance. With crucial issues facing the country such as the health care crisis, a broken immigration system, shortfalls in homeland security, and a stagnant minimum wage, I am baffled that the Republican leadership would spend precious time on horse slaughter legislation. I do not want to minimize the importance of banning inhumane slaughter of horses for purposes of human consumption overseas. In fact, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 503, the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act and support clean passage of that legislation. However, it is distressing that with only approximately 15 legislative days before the election, Republicans are ignoring the priorities of the American people. I am troubled that the 109th Congress will be remembered in history as a ``do-nothing'' Congress. According to the Library of Congress, the House of Representatives in 2006 is on track to be in session for the fewest number of days since 1948. When the Congress has been in session, Republicans have pushed divisive and unproductive legislation such as constitutional amendments banning gay marriage and flag burning.…”