[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 38 (Tuesday, March 16, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HEALTH CARE REFORM

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, we have been debating health care reform 
for over 1 year. Today I am urging my colleagues to step up to the 
plate with courage and vote for passage of this critical legislation. 
If we don't move forward, the American people will be faced with grave 
consequences due to our inaction. Rising health costs are crushing 
American families, forcing small businesses to choose between health 
care and jobs.
  Madam Speaker, $1 out of every $6 in the U.S. economy is spent on 
health care today. If we do nothing, in 30 years $1 out of every $3 in 
our economy will be tied up in health care. If we fail to pass health 
care reform, families could see their spending on premiums and out-of-
pocket insurance costs rise 34 percent in 5 years and 79 percent in 10 
years. Without reform, every 4 years 3.5 million American jobs will be 
lost. More importantly, if we fail to pass reform, insurance companies 
will be allowed to continue to deny coverage for preexisting 
conditions. Insurance companies will be allowed to drop coverage when 
you get sick.
  I urge you to pass this bill now.

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