[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 18482]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE

  (Ms. SPEIER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, the enemies of health reform have scoured 
all of Canada to find a story that fits with their message of ``no 
change, no reform.''
  But I only have to look to my district, to Sharon Almeida from San 
Bruno, who sent me this letter titled, ``What's Wrong With This 
Picture?''
  Each month Sharon and her husband, Frank, net $3,811 from Social 
Security and pensions. But they pay out nearly $2,800 for Sharon's 
cancer treatments. That leaves them just $1,000 for food, utilities, 
gas, insurance, never mind a little something for the grandchildren. 
Thank God they own their own home and no longer have a mortgage.
  Mr. Speaker, Sharon and Frank worked hard. They played by the rules 
and raised a beautiful and supportive family. They do not deserve this.
  So, to the critics of reform, I say, let the Canadians worry about 
the Canadians. It's time we come together to provide real health care 
reform for Sharon and other hardworking Americans.

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