Louis Stokes: “I rise in support of the long-awaited health insurance reform bill, H.R. 3103, entitled the Health Care Coverage…”

“I rise in support of the long-awaited health insurance reform bill, H.R. 3103, entitled the Health Care Coverage Availability and Affordability Act. This measure was first introduced in the Senate by our colleagues, Senators Kennedy and Kassebaum, over a year ago, on July 13, 1995. Yet, for political reasons, the majority would not let the measure move through the legislative process. In fact, it is possible that the measure would not have moved at all--if it had not been for President Clinton's leadership and commitment to meaningful health care reform. Each of us in this Chamber and in the Senate recalls President Clinton calling for the passage of the bill in his State of the Union Address in January. While the majority acknowledged the President's instruction, their choke hold on the bill continued. In fact, because of continuing unnecessary roadblocks, the bill was not even voted on until late March. It is because of the President's and the Democrats' continued pressure and steadfast commitment to meaningful reform that we can stand here today to vote on the conference to the health insurance bill.”