On the recordMarch 21, 2010
I thank the gentleman for yielding the time and for the hard work of the Rules Committee. Mr. Speaker, I come to the well of the House today to support the rule and to commend President Obama and the Democratic leadership for their willingness to stand up for America's families and for their willingness to be strong and steadfast in the face of political opposition. My North Carolina district is the fourth poorest district in America: 100,000 uninsured, seniors unable to afford prescription drugs, rural hospitals in the red, insurance premiums increasing while insurance company profits are multiplying. My constituents need health insurance reform, and they need it now. The time for debate is over. We are poised to deliver on the Democratic promise of health insurance reform. I am confident, Mr. Speaker, that one day historians will write that the passage of this bill took America to a higher level, to a higher place, and restored confidence with the American people that Congress is responding to the needs of America's families. {time} 1715 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentlewoman has 3 minutes and 55 seconds remaining. The gentleman from California has 7 minutes and 25 seconds remaining.
