[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 124 (Thursday, August 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                      HEALTH CARE: THE ROAD AHEAD

  Mr. DOLE. Mr. President, it has been over 2 weeks since we began the 
health care debate in this Chamber. We have heard a great many speeches 
from both Democrats and Republicans, and we have passed a handful of 
amendments, proposed by both Democrats and Republicans.
  Some might say that this is not a lot of progress for 2 weeks of 
work. I disagree. For something else has happened during the past 
weeks. More important than hearing from Senators, is the fact that we 
have also continued to hear from the American people.
  In record numbers, the American people have been writing and calling 
their Senators. And they have been making some requests. That we read 
the Clinton-Mitchell bill. That we understand the bill. That we know 
how the Clinton-Mitchell bill will affect their State, their 
businesses, and their families.
  Those are reasonable requests. They are requests that Republicans 
have been making for some time. And they are requests that Republicans 
will not compromise on.
  And now we are taking a breather. And, so far, the American people 
are breathing a sign of relief. So far, we have managed to do no harm. 
So far, we have managed not to destroy the best health care system in 
the world.
  I say ``so far'' because the debate over this issue is far from 
complete. There are those who still believe we should pass the Clinton/
Mitchell bill or the Clinton/Gephardt bill before we adjourn in 
October.

  I believe, however, that those bills do not and will not have the 
support of a majority of Senators, and, more importantly, the support 
and confidence of a majority of Americans.
  So, where do we go from here?
  Well, my first suggestion would be that we pass the Dole-Packwood 
bill. But I know that is a tall order in a Democrat controlled 
Congress.
  My second suggestion is one I have made for almost a year and a half. 
That we pass into the law provisions to help those Americans who cannot 
afford insurance, who cannot get insurance because of a pre-existing 
conditions, or who cannot keep insurance due to a job change.
  Such a bill would not meet President Clinton's definition of health 
care reform. But it would make health care more affordable and more 
accessible to millions of Americans.
  When we return in September, Republicans will remain dedicated to 
strengthening the best health care system in the world.
  But make no mistake about it, we will also refuse to rush through any 
legislation until we understand the meaning, impact, and side effects 
of every single provision. After all, this legislation involves one-
seventh of our economy, and it touches the life of every American.
  On a final note, I want to thank the American people for the input 
they have been providing.
  I would hope that you will continue to call in to radio talk shows, 
continue to write and call your Senators and Members of Congress, and 
to attend town meetings in your area.
  I look forward to resuming this debate in September.

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