[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 6, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM BILL

                                 ______


                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 1996

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the 
Kennedy-Kassebaum-Roukema health insurance reform bill. Of the more 
than 43 million Americans who still have no health insurance, 21 
million lack coverage because of preexisting conditions. An additional 
4 million must stay in their jobs because they fear losing coverage if 
they leave.
  The Roukema bill will expand the availability of health insurance by 
eliminating preexisting condition restrictions and guaranteeing 
portability. Americans who want to change jobs will no longer be locked 
into their current jobs because they fear they will lose their health 
insurance.
  Of course, we should continue our efforts to enact comprehensive 
health care reform legislation that will control costs and ensure 
universal coverage. While the Roukema bill is by no means the solution 
to our Nation's health care crisis, it is a good start.
  In his State of the Union Address, President Clinton said he would 
sign the Kennedy-Kassebaum-Roukema bill, and he urged Congress to take 
quick action on this legislation. The House of Representatives has an 
opportunity to move the Roukema health care reform bill one step closer 
to the President's desk by passing it as soon as possible. 
Unfortunately, some Members of this body want to delay enactment of 
these much-needed reforms by loading the Roukema bill down with 
controversial provisions.
  Mr. Speaker, we can't afford to let this modest, but essential health 
care reform plan fall by the wayside. The American people need this 
health care reform bill, and they need it now. I urge my colleagues to 
support the Roukema health care reform bill.

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