Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, for the last 6 years, I have been spending a significant amount of time making sure that the Federal Government is a better partner in helping families as they deal with some of the most difficult times they will ever encounter, as a loved one enters their last stage of life. This often involves an elderly spouse or relative, but not necessarily. This is a challenge that faces all of us, regardless of age, health, or family circumstance. The youngest, healthiest, most vital member of your office could suffer an accident or come down with a disease this afternoon. We all must at some point face this challenge that requires that we do a better job of meeting those needs, helping our families understand the circumstances and choices and that we make their wishes known, and that those wishes are respected. This afternoon there is an important landmark in this effort to protect families, as the Institute of Medicine releases key facts and recommendations on improving the quality and honoring individual preferences at the end of life. It is entitled ``Dying in America,'' sort of a jarring title, but it should be required reading for everyone in government, health care, insurance, anyone who is involved with this complex web that should be supportive of families in their time of need, but too often fails them.…”