[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 84 (Monday, June 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              AAPI HOSTS SUCCESSFUL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

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                           HON. BILL CASSIDY

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 8, 2009

  Mr. CASSIDY. Madam Speaker, the American Association of Physicians of 
Indian Origin recently hosted a legislative conference on Capitol Hill, 
and I was honored to speak to this organization, consisting of proud 
American doctors who trace their heritage to India. AAPI's members play 
a critical role in delivering quality health care throughout the U.S. 
across a broad range of medical specialties.
  I heard from AAPI members who discussed the need for health care 
reform but also shared their concerns about a single-payer system. 
These physicians told me that while we need reforms, we should never 
forget that we have the greatest health care system in the world. I 
agree. We need to find ways to reform health care delivery by cutting 
costs without compromising the quality of care provided to patients. A 
system that rations testing, cannot provide the latest pharmaceuticals 
to patients, and prevents patients from making decisions about their 
own health care, is a system that moves the power of healthcare from 
the hands of patients into the hands of government.
  That's not what we need in America. I appreciate the advocacy of AAPI 
on this issue and the difference Indian American doctors make in 
providing the best health care to their patients every day in our great 
nation.

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