[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 117 (Friday, August 2, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM

  Mrs. KASSEBAUM. Mr. President, first I would just like to say, it has 
been a year ago today that the health insurance reform legislation 
passed unanimously in the Labor Committee. So, it has been a bumpy road 
to achieve what has been achieved, and, I think, a very important piece 
of legislation. One of the reasons it is on the floor today has been 
the active participation and support of the majority leader.
  The Senator from Mississippi has been insistent that we achieve the 
passage of this bill, the conference be successful. I just want to say 
that I think any differences that may have arisen because of the patent 
extension provision, which was added late, can be addressed.
  But certainly the majority leader is one of the reasons we have 
before us today the health insurance reform bill, and it is my hope 
that we can bring it up and we can address this and not put it off to 
the point that we are going to lose an opportunity to pass this, which 
is a small but historic step for health insurance reform. I yield the 
floor, Mr. President.
  Mr. LAUTENBERG addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Jersey.

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