On the recordJanuary 13, 2010
The American people continue to struggle in this difficult economy. One of the counties in my North Carolina district is now suffering with the State's highest unemployment rate. Yes, people are hurting and need to be put back to work. The transformation of our Nation's health care system represents an enormous opportunity to create jobs and fuel economic growth. Each year, our health care reform plan will create 250,000 to 400,000 jobs. These reforms will also allow small business to add an estimated 80,000 jobs. Without these reforms, the health care premiums paid by businesses in coming years will more than double. Money needlessly spent on health care premiums by small businesses is really needed to hire workers, increase salaries, and refuel the economy. Madam Speaker, Americans cannot afford the status quo. Doing nothing is not an option. I urge my colleagues to join us in improving the health care delivery system.
