[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17024]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           HEALTH CARE REFORM

  Mr. BURRIS. Mr. President, we have all heard that America's health 
care system is in crisis. But all too often, Washington loses sight of 
what is truly at stake. Some talk constantly about how much reform will 
cost, but without action more and more hard-working Americans will lose 
coverage.
  Soaring health care costs are increasing the burdens on the American 
people, American businesses, and our government. Today, our health care 
system stands on the brink of collapse.
  Over the past 2 years, 3.5 million Illinois residents, nearly 31 
percent of the under-65 population, have been without health care 
insurance at one time or another. How can we allow American citizens to 
live in fear that the next cough or fever would put them in the 
poorhouse? There is a better way.
  Even for those who manage to stay insured amid the current climate of 
rapid increasing costs, the economic toll of paying for insurance can 
be crippling to middle-class families.
  Over the past 9 years, insurance premiums have more than doubled. By 
2016 the projected cost of insurance for a family of four in Illinois 
will top $25,000 a year, meaning for a median income family in my 
State, nearly half of their earnings would be spent for health 
insurance. Obviously, this would prove disastrous to people in Illinois 
and across the Nation.
  The pressure of increasing premiums is hurting our economy from the 
business side as well. Small businesses in particular often cannot 
afford to provide care for their workers. In 2006 only 41 percent of 
Illinois businesses with less than 50 employees were able to offer 
coverage. Over the next few years, an additional 19 percent of American 
small businesses may be forced to eliminate their coverage as well. But 
there is a better way.
  From a government standpoint, we are currently spending 4 percent of 
the GDP on Medicare and Medicaid. By 2040, that number could reach 15 
percent. This level of government spending would be unsustainable. 
There is a better way.
  Meaningful reform could cut costs for families, save small 
businesses, and even help pay down the budget deficit.
  Some still say the cost of reform is too high. But the choice is 
clear: We can invest in the right reform now, ensuring quality health 
care in the future and sustained cost reductions in the long term, or 
we can do nothing and watch as the cost of health care steadily 
increases until it drives our families--and our country--to financial 
ruin.
  My colleagues and I have real solutions. We can ensure that every 
single American has access to quality, affordable health care. We can 
save money on administrative costs and put an end to coverage denials 
due to preexisting conditions. With a shift in our focus from what we 
refer to as ``sick care'' and toward preventive medicine, we can keep 
people healthier, bolster our economy, and we can save money. This is 
the better way.
  I urge my colleagues to leave partisanship at the door and do what is 
right for the American people. We cannot afford to do any less.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor and suggest the absence 
of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Begich.) Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I also understand we are in morning 
business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator is correct.

                          ____________________