On the recordMarch 16, 2010
We have been debating health care reform for over 1 year. Today I am urging my colleagues to step up to the plate with courage and vote for passage of this critical legislation. If we don't move forward, the American people will be faced with grave consequences due to our inaction. Rising health costs are crushing American families, forcing small businesses to choose between health care and jobs. Madam Speaker, $1 out of every $6 in the U.S. economy is spent on health care today. If we do nothing, in 30 years $1 out of every $3 in our economy will be tied up in health care. If we fail to pass health care reform, families could see their spending on premiums and out-of-pocket insurance costs rise 34 percent in 5 years and 79 percent in 10 years. Without reform, every 4 years 3.5 million American jobs will be lost. More importantly, if we fail to pass reform, insurance companies will be allowed to continue to deny coverage for preexisting conditions. Insurance companies will be allowed to drop coverage when you get sick. I urge you to pass this bill now.
