[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 90 (Tuesday, June 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



 INTRODUCTION OF THE MEDICAID COMMUNITY ATTENDANT SERVICES ACT OF 1997

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                           HON. NEWT GINGRICH

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 1997

  Mr. GINGRICH. Mr. Speaker, I want to introduce today the Medicaid 
Community Attendant Services Act of 1997 as part of my commitment to 
empowering all Americans and to the principles of community-based care. 
This bill allows for choices for persons with disabilities so that 
individuals can receive the care that is more appropriate for them. 
Everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and independent life 
and people with disabilities are no exception.
  I believe that personal empowerment is essential to the pursuit of 
happiness and believe that this bill will begin a very important debate 
about long-term care in the Nation. During the 104th Congress, I 
submitted for the Congressional Record a statement in support of 
community-based care based upon the recommendations of a disabilities 
task force on disabilities which I appointed in Georgia and the work of 
advocates for community-based care from around the Nation.
  The bill I am introducing today is the starting point for the dialog 
about the best way to empower persons with disabilities. I am aware 
that this proposal may have significant cost implications, so I 
encourage careful consideration and additional input to help ensure a 
sound policy decision.

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