[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 84 (Tuesday, June 28, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   GUARANTEED UNIVERSAL COVERAGE IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HEALTH CARE 
                                 REFORM

  (Mr. FAZIO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, Democrats have made it clear that we will not 
accept health care reform without guaranteed coverage for every 
American. But some would have you believe that the only people who 
benefit from this approach are the poor and the uninsured.
  However, if you look at the facts, it is clear that guaranteeing 
coverage for every American is not an act of charity--it is an act of 
necessity, for every working family.
  However, the other side of the aisle just does not get it, again. 
Just recently, a distinguished Member of the other body threatened to 
filibuster and effectively block health care reform saying that, ``The 
Clinton Plan and its clone the Kennedy plan, are in my view poison. 
They must be defeated, even at the cost of gridlock. Yes, filibuster, 
if that is what it takes * * *.''
  Hard-working, middle class families who have health insurance today 
would benefit from health care reform. Because they will not have to 
worry about their insurance being canceled, or their rates being raised 
through the roof.
  Covering everybody is about leveling the playing field. It is about 
saving families money. And, it is about businesses not having to pay 
the hidden costs of the uninsured, saving billions of dollars that can 
be passed on to employees as wage increases or better job training.
  The vast majority of Americans believe in the principle of universal 
private health insurance that can never be taken away. It is our duty 
as their representatives to make sure that they get it.

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