[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 191 (Thursday, December 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2569]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING THE CANCER AND TERMINAL ILLNESS PATIENT HEALTH CARE ACT

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                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2007

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to help working Americans stricken 
with cancer or other terminal illnesses, and their families, by 
introducing the Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health Care Act. 
This act exempts people with terminal illnesses from the employee 
portion of payroll taxes while they are suffering from such illnesses 
or are incurring significant medical costs associated with their 
conditions. The Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health Care Act 
also provides a payroll deduction to any worker who is the primary 
caregiver for a spouse, parent, or child with a terminal illness.
  When stricken with cancer or another terminal disease, many Americans 
struggle to pay for the treatment necessary to save, or extend, their 
lives. Even employees with health insurance incur costs such as for 
transportation to and from care centers, prescription drugs not covered 
by their insurance, or for child care while they are receiving 
treatment. Yet, the Federal Government continues to force these 
employees to pay for retirement benefits they may never live to see!
  Many Americans struggle to pay the costs of treating children, a 
spouse, or a parent with a terminal illness. My bill also provides much 
needed tax relief for those who are providing care to a loved one with 
a terminal disease.
  As a physician who has specialized in women's health issues for 
decades, I know how critical it is that cancer patients and others 
suffering from terminal illnesses have the resources they need to 
combat these illnesses. The Cancer and Terminal Illness Patient Health 
Care Act provides a realistic way to help people suffering from cancer 
or other terminal illnesses receive quality health care.
  It is hard to think of a more compassionate tax policy this Congress 
could enact than to stop taking the resources away from working 
Americans that could help them treat cancer, AIDS, or other terrible 
health problems. I hope all my colleagues will help people suffering 
from terminal illnesses, and their caregivers, by cosponsoring the 
Cancer and Terminal Illness Patent Health Care Act.

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