[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          HEALTH CARE CHOICES

  (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome North Marion Middle 
School and Osceola Middle School to Washington. I want these young 
adults and their parents to have the same opportunity for health care 
that I have and other Government employees have. I would point out to 
my colleagues that I am talking about the Federal Employee Health 
Benefit Program. This is the package that is available to the 
President, the Vice President, Federal employees, and of course, 
Members of Congress. This program's annual cost increase have averaged 
one-third less than other private health insurance programs.
  Legislation I have introduced, the Consumer Choice Health Security 
Act, would offer to the American people the same option of health care 
choices now enjoyed by all of us. We would also allow and encourage 
purchasing co-op's to exist, whether they be formed by unions, civic 
associations, churches, or employers. Individuals can choose among 
plans offered by all of these groups when selecting coverage.
  Mr. Speaker, what is good for the goose should be good for the 
gander. That is why we should support the Consumer Choice Health 
Security Act, instead of the Clinton health care plan which would 
increase taxes, inflict job-destroying employer mandates on small 
business, and restrict the full choice of health care options that all 
Americans deserve. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 3698.

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