[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                              HEALTH CARE

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, my constituents worry about the rising cost 
of health care. Today, I rise to let them know we are working to make 
health care more affordable and accessible.
  We already strengthened and improved the State Children's State 
Insurance Program. Nearly 11 million children will benefit from actions 
by enrolling them in health insurance programs and expanding access to 
dental and mental health benefits.
  This year, we voted to increase funding for health care information 
technology, saving billions of dollars and reducing private health 
insurance premiums for families. We also increased Medicaid funding, 
protecting coverage for millions of low-income and elderly Americans.
  While more needs to be done, that is why I will vote for President 
Obama's budget. He sets aside more than $630 million over the next 10 
years to reform health care, reduce Medicare overpayments to private 
insurance, and reduce drug prices to rein in high costs that are a drag 
on our entire economy.
  I urge everyone to support this budget.

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