Steve Cohen: “I am going to cite two Republicans who give good reasons to oppose this legislation and keep health care reform. One of…”

“I am going to cite two Republicans who give good reasons to oppose this legislation and keep health care reform. One of the new Republicans, when he didn't think he was going to get his insurance immediately, said, ``What am I, not supposed to have health care? It's a practicality. I'm not going to become a burden for the State because I don't have health care, and God forbid I get into an accident and I can't afford the operation. That can happen to anyone.'' He succinctly summed up the reason why everyone should have the same opportunities as Members of Congress have to have health care. But more importantly, in a more intentional way, one of the most revered doctors in the world, former Republican majority leader, Senator Bill Frist, said yesterday that he urged the Republicans to drop the charade and build on the legislation. He said if he would have been here, he would have voted for the bill. And it was important to consider the bill the ``law of the land'' and move on from there. ``It is the platform, the fundamental platform, upon which all future efforts to make the system better for the patient and the family will be based.'' And that is a fact. It has strong elements. I support Dr. Frist.”