[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 108 (Wednesday, September 6, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H6245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CREATIVE FEDERALISM--HEALTH COVERAGE INNOVATION

  (Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, is it not time that we in Congress 
take real steps forward to increase the number of Americans with health 
insurance? The latest Census Bureau report shows us that there are over 
46 million Americans without health insurance coverage. To resolve this 
problem and relieve the burden this places on our health care system, 
we need an innovative and new approach.
  The bipartisan Health Partnership Through Creative Federalism Act, 
H.R. 5864, offers that inventive path. Creative Federalism provides for 
innovation in health care through State initiatives that expand health 
care coverage. It empowers States and other regions to tailor health 
programs to their specific needs, thereby increasing access to health 
care all across this Nation.
  Members from both sides of the aisle realize that to solve a problem 
of such significance, we need fresh thinking and new ideas. States 
should be encouraged to consider a variety of reforms, tax credits, 
pooling programs, health savings accounts or a combination of other 
options.
  Mr. Speaker, the status quo is unacceptable. The Health Partnership 
Through Creative Federalism Act, H.R. 5864, can lead us to a new period 
of greater health coverage and more insured Americans, and Mr. Speaker, 
that is a good thing.

                          ____________________