[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 102 (Thursday, July 9, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H7842]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         LET THE AMERICAN PEOPLE BE HEARD ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

  (Mr. WITTMAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I come here today to ask that you include 
all of our voices in crafting responsible health care reform 
legislation. This issue is too large and impacts too many people to 
write a bill from only one side of the aisle.
  In my home State of Virginia, more than 1.1 million individuals are 
uninsured, and health care premiums grow another 10 percent annually. 
Back in the First District, I formed and work with a Health Care 
Advisory Council comprised of local patient advocates, physicians, 
nurses, students, insurance providers, hospitals, community health 
centers, and other stakeholders in the health care reform debate. These 
folks have great ideas that deserve an opportunity to be heard. They 
are clear-cut ideas on which both sides can agree.
  We must let Americans who like their health care coverage keep it and 
give all Americans the freedom to choose the health plan that best 
meets their needs. We must also focus on prevention, disease 
management, and wellness programs, as well as the development of new 
treatments and cures for life-threatening diseases.
  We must also allow the Federal Government to partner with States to 
improve programs that guarantee access to affordable coverage for those 
with preexisting conditions.
  Finally, we must increase transparency to improve patient access to 
the best health care information available.
  These are things upon which Republicans and Democrats can agree in 
order to provide relief to the American people.

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