[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 8 (Thursday, February 3, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 3, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      HEALTH CARE: TIME FOR CHANGE

  (Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, while some are trying to 
play down the importance of health care reform, my North Carolina 
constituents tell me the need is real and undeniable. Whether you call 
it a crisis or some other name, we simply must address our health care 
problems this year.
  In January, I held a health care forum in my district; it lasted 12 
hours and drew hundreds of people to voice their health care concerns. 
Many different views were expressed, but the overall message was clear: 
Our health care system has serious problems that we simply must fix.
  From the hearing, it is clear that too many North Carolina children 
receive inadequate care, falling behind in school because of health 
reasons. Small businesses working to cover their employees face 
exponential premium increases when other employees become critically 
ill. And residents of rural and urban areas are denied timely health 
care by critical shortages of personnel at facilities.
  We must address these problems with clear goals in view; ensuring all 
Americans basic health coverage, controlling exploding health care 
costs, and improving the quality of care, especially preventive care.
  Health care is a difficult challenge. Though some may try to wish the 
problem away, I am heartened by President Clinton's resolve in 
addressing health care reform this year.

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