[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 104 (Tuesday, August 2, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 2, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
            IMPROVING HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN RURAL AMERICA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
February 11, 1994, and June 10, 1994, the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina [Mrs. Clayton] is recognized during morning business for 1 
minute.
  (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend her 
remarks.)
  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to speak today in favor of health 
care reform and of the benefits it should provide rural communities 
across America.
  In rural America we have been struggling to improve our economic 
foundation and have been fighting persistently with unemployment and 
underemployment. This high level of unemployment means we have a high 
number of uninsured or underinsured families and individuals.
  Therefore the cost for the uninsured is passed on to those with 
insurance. Universal coverage will improve cost situation and guarantee 
families access to health care.
  Also in rural communities, especially in the First District of North 
Carolina we have a large number of senior citizens and therefore a 
growing number of rural hospitals that are Medicare dependent.
  To improve the delivery of health care in rural America we need to 
insure that more physicians will be available to meet the needs of the 
population. We also need to desperately provide for increased funding 
for rural community health centers and provide for the enhancement of 
health care infrastructure.
  This Congress must provide for health care reform that addresses the 
concerns of rural America. Our rural underserved areas, which are the 
backbone of America, need our attention desperately.

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