Paul Tonko: “I thank Representative Garamendi for bringing us together in this Special Order format to talk about some key critical…”

“I thank Representative Garamendi for bringing us together in this Special Order format to talk about some key critical components that address American families significantly. Representative Garamendi and Representative Marcy Kaptur, who both do their homework, are a great addition to the House because they challenge us with facts, not fiction. They care deeply and passionately about improving and enhancing the quality of life. So to stand with both on this issue is a good feeling for me. Just a couple of observations: I think it is okay for government to have a heart. We speak to the heart and soul of working families across this country by understanding that health care is not a privilege; it is a right. So let's begin with that fundamental basic observation, a right. What we have seen with this right is that over 30 million Americans have been added to the rolls of the insured over the course of the Affordable Care Act. Now, Representative Kaptur did a great job of speaking to history of Medicare, of Social Security, and of the Affordable Care Act, as did Representative Garamendi. I remember being at the 75th anniversary celebration of Social Security, and people were talking about the discrediting going on before Social Security was enacted into law. There were those who demonized it before it became law. There were those who have fought it ever since. They don't want that right for working families.…”