[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 77 (Friday, June 17, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   HEALTH CARE RESULTS, NOT PROMISES

  (Mr. FILNER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, we have an opportunity in this session of 
Congress to make a significant, positive difference in the lives of our 
Nation's citizens. We have an opportunity to guarantee health care that 
can never be taken away.
  Why must we change and improve our health care system? Because 
millions of Americans live in fear of losing their health coverage. 
Because millions more currently have no health insurance--and 80 
percent of those are working Americans.
  I say to my colleagues, ``Under the President's plan, every American 
citizen is insured. Under the President's plan, health care can never 
be taken away. If you get sick, you are covered. If you have a pre-
existing medical condition, you are covered. If you are laid off, 
change jobs or move to another community, you are covered. If you start 
your own small business, you are covered.
  ``You decide how and when and from which doctor you will get your 
health care. You pick the health plan that best serves your needs. It 
will be illegal for an insurance company to drop your coverage when you 
become sick or grow older.''
  Under the President's plan, Americans will gain important new 
coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, mental illness, and long 
term care in their homes.
  The President has taken the leadership on this crucial issue. Now it 
is our turn. Let us seize this opportunity. It may not come our way 
again.

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