Sheila Jackson Lee: “In the name of my mother, Ivalita Jackson, I affirmatively support this bill for all of America. Mr. Speaker, I have the…”

“In the name of my mother, Ivalita Jackson, I affirmatively support this bill for all of America. Mr. Speaker, I have the great honor and privilege to rise in strong support of H.R. 4872, ``The Health Care & Education Affordability Act of 2010,'' a bill that will make health care affordable for the middle class, provide security for seniors, and guarantee access to health insurance coverage for the uninsured--while responsibly reducing the federal deficit over the next decade and beyond. I would like to thank President Obama and the leadership in the House and Senate for guiding us through this journey. Mr. Speaker, when I stand here today and reflect upon what we are about to embark upon, I cannot help but think of some of the last words that the Great Senator Edward Kennedy shared in his letter to President Obama. The Senator said, ``And so because of your (Obama's) vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family's health will never again depend on the amount of a family's wealth. And while I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will--yes, we will--fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege. Well, Senator, your life's work shall today be proven to not be in vain.…”