Political Quotes

“First, I thank my colleagues, Mr. Engel and the members of the Energy and Commerce Committee, for their leadership on this bill, as well as, in particular, my colleague, Mr. Carter, for helping push this bill through, and Dr. Burgess for his assistance in leading the floor debate. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bill before us, because as we all know, when loved ones become deathly ill, we are often left feeling helpless, wanting to step in and somehow ease the burden, but not sure how. When my own mother became sick, there was nothing I wouldn't have done, Mr. Speaker, to cure her. The woman who taught me how to live, taught me how to die. She taught me that what truly mattered to her in those times at the end of her life was the comfort of her home, the comfort of her family, and that quality time spent with her loved ones and her friends. Surrounded by a wonderful team of family, friends, but, in particular, hospice care providers, we watched as her wishes were met. Physicians, nurses, social workers, and aides made sure her symptoms were managed and that she was physically comfortable. But just as important, if not more so, were the hospice volunteers who stepped in to give mom companionship, normalcy at the end of her illness, and a much-needed break by the loved ones who were caring for her, such as myself and my brothers and sisters. The experience changed my perspective on death and dying.…”