[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 29, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    THE MIDDLE CLASS AND HEALTH CARE

  (Mr. DERRICK asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. DERRICK. Mr. Speaker, there has been an explosion of health care 
proposals before Congress. Of all the options, one is completely 
unacceptable: no action at all.
  The Wall Street Journal reports that if the status quo continues, 
more Americans are likely to be without health insurance and Government 
spending will likely rise to cover the cost.
  The number of uninsured workers rose from 15.3 percent in 1988 to 
17.5 percent in 1992. That trend is likely to continue, especially 
since our fastest growing industries often do not offer health 
insurance.
  The middle class will fill these new jobs. If Congress does not act, 
the middle class will suffer. Americans know what is at stake. 
Yesterday, the Washington Post reported that 78 percent of Americans 
favor universal coverage, and 72 percent feel employers should provide 
health insurance to their employees.
  Americans want and need health care reform. Congress can provide it. 
The middle class deserves better than partisan efforts to blockade 
reform: they deserve action.

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