Darlene Hooley: “I look at these two bills and I see mirror images. The Hastert bill takes us a step backwards, at least in Oregon, in…”

“I look at these two bills and I see mirror images. The Hastert bill takes us a step backwards, at least in Oregon, in protecting patients, and the Ganske-Dingell bill moves that agenda forward. I want to tell my colleagues how backwards this takes us. In Oregon, our State has already adopted model patient protections. Make no mistake: I would like to see us move forward on patient protection. This, in fact, moves Oregonians backwards. It repeals protections Oregonians already have been guaranteed by the State. Cervical cancer, mammogram screenings, minimum maternity care, mastectomy stays, breast reconstruction, alcoholism and drug abuse treatment, well child care. In the last session of the Oregon legislature they worked in a bipartisan fashion, held extensive hearings, took the data and opinions of everyone concerned, and what they got was a model piece of legislation. They had hearings on it. What a contrast to this. Please support the Ganske-Dingell bill.”