[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 29, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4920]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
              HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS (FAMILIES USA REPORT)

  (Ms. CASTOR of Florida asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to bring attention 
to the dramatic rise in the cost of health care for American families 
and the need to take action.
  Yesterday, Families USA, a national health advocacy group, released a 
report that showed in my home State of Florida and all across the 
country, more and more families are dealing with huge increases in 
premiums and copays. The report explains that for many years now, 
rising health care costs have been devouring a larger and larger 
portion of family income. Health care costs were too high even before 
this economic crisis. And now the rising costs are a serious drag on 
economic recovery for middle class families and businesses, unless we 
act soon.
  The Families USA report highlights how vital it is that we tackle 
health care reform now to help American families out of this middle 
class squeeze. Our health care reform efforts must be focused on making 
care more affordable for families and businesses.
  To lower costs, we must focus on prevention, computerizing medical 
records, eliminating waste, and more cost-effective treatments.
  Thankfully, the White House and many in Congress are committed to 
taking action this year.

                          ____________________