Thomas Foley: “I am here to strongly support a bill introduced by my colleagues, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) and the…”

“I am here to strongly support a bill introduced by my colleagues, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), among others, that would allow us to provide health care coverage for legal immigrants of the United States. Let me be very specific. My colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart), will speak a little more on this subject. What we have to make certain of is that everybody is provided good quality health care. Yesterday a report was issued that included the fact that if folic acid was administered to pregnant women early in their pregnancies, the likelihood of a healthy delivery and a healthy baby would result. The March of Dimes and others strongly support this initiative to make certain that we provide the health care for women early in their pregnancies and then after, once the baby has been delivered. Let us not be penny-wise and pound foolish. The money we think we are saving will evaporate in excess spending if a child is born with a disability, so let us make certain we strongly support this initiative. It is being supported by Senator Graham of Florida on the Senate side, and I know my colleague is going to talk about it in greater detail. I am thrilled and delighted to be part of this effort. Today is World Refugee Day, and I think this is a fitting tribute to this day, to make certain legal immigrants are covered.”