Albio Sires: “Yesterday was an unfortunate day in this Chamber. The majority party voted to bring our Nation back to a system where…”

“Yesterday was an unfortunate day in this Chamber. The majority party voted to bring our Nation back to a system where insurance companies' needs are placed before those of middle class Americans. The truth is that millions of Americans are already benefiting from health care reform. Insurers are no longer allowed to discriminate against children and others who are sick; small businesses are receiving billions of dollars in tax credits; and seniors are saving money on prescription drugs and are receiving free preventive care through Medicare, including 72,000 seniors in my district alone. If repealed, these benefits will be removed and the impact on my district will be devastating. The number of uninsured in my district will increase by 104,000 people; 326,000 residents would yet again be vulnerable to insurers' devious practices, such as lifetime limits and rescission; and insurers could once more deny coverage for up to 294,000 individuals in my district alone, including 35,000 children with a preexisting condition. Madam Speaker, we should concentrate on creating jobs, not repealing health reform for middle class Americans.”