[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19433]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    THE RISING COSTS OF HEALTH CARE AND THE NEED FOR A PUBLIC OPTION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Speaker, at a time when families throughout my 
district and throughout our Nation are struggling with the rising costs 
of health care, a robust public option will expand choice and increase 
competition, driving down costs and making affordable health care a 
reality.
  We need a strong public option for the single mother in my district 
who changed jobs and lost her insurance, who deserves the chance to get 
the coverage she needs for herself and for her kids.
  We need health care reform for the self-employed businessperson who 
will finally have a chance to get affordable, comprehensive health care 
without worrying about constraints on his business.
  There should be no question that our current health care system is 
broken. We have an opportunity to work with one another to truly look 
after the American people and make a difference in their lives. We need 
a strong public option because our constituents, our constituents, 
deserve affordable, accessible health care.
  Mr. Speaker, we have come to work. We have come to look after the 
general welfare of the American people. Year after year we have had an 
opportunity, and we have squandered it, to be able to address the 
problems that are afflicting the American people, people struggling 
today. And we have an opportunity to either work to come up with some 
solutions or not present any ideas.
  Mr. Speaker, we have some great ideas here, and it is about time that 
we take some action.

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