[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 40 (Thursday, March 18, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PASS THIS HEALTH CARE REFORM LEGISLATION NOW

  (Mr. CLAY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening as we prepare for this 
historic vote, and I'm here to tell you that the people of Missouri's 
First District want us to act and pass this health care reform 
legislation now. And here's why:
  It will improve coverage for 331,000 residents who already have 
health insurance. And it will give tax credits to 168,000 families and 
15,000 small businesses to help them afford coverage. It will improve 
Medicare for 96,000 seniors, including closing the doughnut hole. It 
will extend coverage to 45,500 uninsured residents. It will guarantee 
coverage for 10,000 residents with preexisting conditions. And it will 
protect 1,400 families from medical bankruptcy.
  This plan ends gender-based discrimination by stopping insurance 
companies from charging women more than men for the very same coverage.
  It is time to act, Mr. Speaker.

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