Frank Pallone: “as a result of democratic leadership, Congress passed the Kennedy-Kassebaum bill in 1996, which extended health care…”

“as a result of democratic leadership, Congress passed the Kennedy-Kassebaum bill in 1996, which extended health care insurance portability to millions of Americans and further limited preexisting condition exclusions. Last year the Democrats successfully fought to pass legislation that will provide health care benefits to over 5 million children, and both of these bills were enacted into law despite strong initial opposition from the Republican leadership. Now, under the President's leadership, Democrats are now poised to fight for two new health care initiatives. The first proposal would enable those aged 55 to 65 to buy into the Medicare program under certain conditions. The second initiative would provide for managed care reform or basic consumer protections for individuals in HMOs. Already Republican leaders are voicing opposition to these proposals. Again, Mr. Speaker, Democrats are fighting for the average American family. Meanwhile, Republicans are teaming up with special interest groups in a million-dollar campaign to prevent common-sense health care reform.”