Kent Conrad: “I thank the Chair. Kennedy-Kassebaum--what a team. What an achievement--25 million people protected because, working…”

“I thank the Chair. Kennedy-Kassebaum--what a team. What an achievement--25 million people protected because, working together in a bipartisan way, they have broken the gridlock here in Washington. Nancy Kassebaum, who always exhibits grace, civility, and decency, and Ted Kennedy, an absolute lion in this Chamber on whatever issue he decides to weigh in on, thank goodness they weighed in on these issues of portability, so the people, when they change jobs, can take their health insurance policy with them. And preexisting conditions--millions of Americans will no longer be precluded from coverage because of a preexisting condition. This Senate should thank you both. America should thank you both. I would be remiss if I did not register disappointment, as well, because we did pass on the floor of the U.S. Senate by a vote of 68 to 30, a sweeping change, to say that those who suffer from mental illness will not be discriminated against. A mental illness should be treated the same way as a physical illness. Mr. President, 68 to 30, this Senate spoke with their votes and said, ``No more discrimination.'' Yet, when we look at what came back from conference, through no fault of the Senator from Massachusetts and through no fault of the Senator from Kansas, what came back from the conference committee on mental health is the square root of zero--nothing, not even the most modest achievement, not even the most modest advancement.”