J.C. Watts: “Mister Speaker, it is a fact that American Indian and Alaska Native women have a higher incidence of breast and cervical…”

“Mister Speaker, it is a fact that American Indian and Alaska Native women have a higher incidence of breast and cervical cancer than the general population of the United States. Unfortunately, many of these women who are at a higher risk of breast and cervical cancer are also without the life-saving care they need. This is due to the fact that American Indian and Alaska Native women are eligible for breast cancer diagnosis coverage, but not medical treatment. American Indian and Alaska Native women need the option for more advanced care. The legislation before the House today would improve the coverage of breast and cervical cancer treatment for these Americans by putting them on equal footing with other low-income citizens eligible for Medicaid. Mister Speaker, breast and cervical cancer can be the worst nightmares thinkable for women. Thankfully, this Congress has made health care and medical research a top priority--promoting increased health care benefits, empowering patients to get the best care possible and generously funding disease research. By correcting the system to allow American Indian and Alaska Native women the treatment they need with respect to breast and cervical cancer, we will aid these who need help the most. I thank my colleagues for their work on this important issue and urge passage of the legislation.”