Steve Kagen: “What kind of Nation are we, and is anyone really listening? We have over 47 million citizens in this country going…”

“What kind of Nation are we, and is anyone really listening? We have over 47 million citizens in this country going without health care coverage; 47 million citizens have zero, and they've been left behind. Why? They don't have the money. They simply don't have the money to be able to afford the impossible cost of health care today. People cannot afford to pay for their pills; they cannot afford to pay their doctor bills or their hospital tests or their cancer treatments. These treatments now are out of their reach. And why? It's simple. They don't have the money. And what kind of Nation are we when, in my home State of Wisconsin, in Shawano County, 19 out of 20 families filing for bankruptcy recently did so only because they couldn't afford their health care bills. We need a uniquely American solution to this crisis, and we need it now because my patients and my constituents cannot hold their breath any longer. Mr. Speaker, what kind of Nation are we? Let's agree right here and right now that we need to come together in a bipartisan way and help to begin to solve this national disgrace. My constituents are listening tonight, and so are yours. Let's end this national nightmare and guarantee access to affordable care for every citizen.”