[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 50 (Friday, April 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2005

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, my name was placed on H.R. 525, the ``Small 
Business Health Fairness Act of 2005'' by mistake, and even though 
House rules at this point prohibit my removal as a cosponsor, I want to 
make clear without a shadow of a doubt that I do not support H.R. 525.
  I believe access to health care is a basic human right and H.R. 525 
in its present form does nothing to make that right a reality. The 
House voted on Associated Health Plans twice in the 108th Congress and 
I voted against it both times. If this bill comes to House Floor for a 
vote again in its present form, I will oppose it.
  Although I understand the demands and challenges that small business 
owners face with regard to providing affordable, comprehensive health 
care for their employees, H.R. 525 is not the answer.
  The answer is putting people before profit in our health care system.

                          ____________________