[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 24, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H4436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                SUPPORT A REAL PATIENTS' BILL OF RIGHTS

  (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll 
released last week shows that most Americans would oppose the McCain-
Kennedy trial lawyers' bill because they know it would increase health 
costs. When asked point-blank if they are more concerned about suing 
HMOs or lawsuits driving up their health insurance costs, the majority 
of Americans said they feared the prospect of skyrocketing costs caused 
by lawsuits.
  This is yet more proof that Americans want a Patients' Bill of Rights 
that ensures they get the care they need from a doctor they know. 
Americans want, need and deserve health care reform, not a trial 
lawyers' bill that would drive people into the ranks of the uninsured.
  In short, I am with the American people who favor the responsible 
health care reform principles of the Fletcher-Peterson Patients' Bill 
of Rights. Under this bill, more Americans will be insured.

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