Frank Pallone: “I am embarrassed, frankly, from the comments I hear from the other side of the aisle about mouse traps, Frisbees, golf…”

“I am embarrassed, frankly, from the comments I hear from the other side of the aisle about mouse traps, Frisbees, golf carts. The economy is in terrible shape, it is getting worse every day, and we are trying to address it in a bold way. That is what is necessary here, not talking about these trivial things that the other side is bringing up. At a time when States are facing fiscal problems and more people are in need of health care services, we provide in this bill critical financial assistance so that States can maintain their Medicaid programs, health care. It would provide access to health coverage for those who recently lost their jobs by making COBRA coverage more affordable. And, finally, the package would modernize our Nation's health care system by investing nearly $20 billion in health information technology. These are the important things that we face right now. People are losing their health care. We are addressing this. We are giving money back to the States. We are helping people with their health care so that they can stay insured. Mr. Speaker, I appeal to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, now is the time for bold action. This package is a good package. Vote ``yes.``”