[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 14]
[House]
[Page 19557]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HEALTH CARE IS A RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE

  (Ms. LEE of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, 47 million uninsured in the 
wealthiest and the most powerful country in the world is 
unconscionable. Health care should not be a privilege, which is what it 
is right now; it should be a right. The average American pays an extra 
$1,100 a year in premiums to support a broken system. Premiums have 
doubled in 9 years, growing three times faster than wages. Our health 
care reform plan does not, mind you, it does not call for a government 
takeover. We intend to lower cost, have no more copays or deductibles 
for preventive care, and an annual cap on out-of-pocket expenses. If 
you like your doctor or your plan you can keep it. And yes, a real 
robust public option keeps health care costs down for those who choose 
private insurance.
  It's time to take the profit-making insurance industry out of making 
health care decisions. Medical decisions should be made between a 
patient and a doctor. Medical decisions should not be made based on who 
profits. Profit motives and making health decisions will not provide 
for affordable health care for every man, woman and child.

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