[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 13, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HEALTH CARE AND THE ECONOMY

  (Mr. BUTTERFIELD asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Madam Speaker, the American people continue to 
struggle in this difficult economy. One of the counties in my North 
Carolina district is now suffering with the State's highest 
unemployment rate. Yes, people are hurting and need to be put back to 
work. The transformation of our Nation's health care system represents 
an enormous opportunity to create jobs and fuel economic growth.
  Each year, our health care reform plan will create 250,000 to 400,000 
jobs. These reforms will also allow small business to add an estimated 
80,000 jobs. Without these reforms, the health care premiums paid by 
businesses in coming years will more than double. Money needlessly 
spent on health care premiums by small businesses is really needed to 
hire workers, increase salaries, and refuel the economy.
  Madam Speaker, Americans cannot afford the status quo. Doing nothing 
is not an option. I urge my colleagues to join us in improving the 
health care delivery system.

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