Political Quotes

“today, this House has an opportunity to improve the health care system for millions of Americans. Like everyone, I want a health care system that is more accessible, more affordable and more accountable. With that goal in mind, I will cast my vote for H.R. 4250, the Patient Protection Act. It is not a perfect piece of legislation and while there are provisions I think could be improved, there are also other provisions I have long supported. I am particularly pleased with the expansion of medical savings accounts, the creation of association health plans, medical malpractice reform and improving the patient appeals process without increasing the involvement of trial lawyers. In response to the concerns we have heard from our constituents, the bill prohibits gag rules, allows women direct access to gynecological and obstetrical care and allow parents to choose a pediatrician as their child's primary care provider without having to get a referral from a health plan. This legislation will not only improve health care for the currently insured, we expect it to also make insurance more affordable to the 41 million uninsured Americans, including the 1.3 million uninsured in my state of Illinois.”