[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 120 (Thursday, September 4, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HEALTHCARE BILL OF RIGHTS FOR ALL AMERICANS

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                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 2003

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, during the recess, I was 
pleased to meet with a group of representatives of The United Steel 
Workers in my district. They presented me with a petition with which I 
am in strong agreement--calling on those of us who serve in Congress 
``to pledge their support for the Healthcare Bill of Rights in its 
entirety.'' In particular, this petition cited the importance of three 
key principles, which are: First, everyone has a right to quality 
healthcare, regardless of financial standing. The government must 
insure that no American is denied needed healthcare services because of 
inability to pay; second, healthcare should be affordable for all who 
need it. The government must see that healthcare costs are brought 
under control; and third, everyone has a right to affordable 
prescription drugs. The government must insure that every American has 
prescription drug coverage. No one should be forced to choose whether 
or not to buy needed prescribed medicine based on how much money they 
have.
  Mr Speaker, I will not enter here the long list of names of signers 
of this petition. But I believe that Members should be aware of the 
strong sentiment that exists on behalf of such an important public 
policy. And I salute the Steel Workers of America and those who have 
taken the lead in organizing this petition in my own district and 
elsewhere, for their commitment to a better America.

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