[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21100]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HEALTH CARE REFORM WITH A PUBLIC OPTION

  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, it is a delight to be back 
with my colleagues, but more importantly, it was enriching to be with 
my constituents at some 10 townhall meetings and at any number of 
personal appearances before organizations to talk about changing 
America's health care system for the better of all Americans. After 60 
years, we now have an opportunity to address the question of the 
uninsured and to make sure that those who have insurance can keep it.
  I have read page 16. What it says is that your private insurance is 
grandfathered in and that, if your insurance in 5 years does not meet 
basic standards, we'll require your insurers to do so. There is nothing 
on page 16 that says anything about eliminating your insurance, but it 
does reform the insurance industry of America--no preexisting disease; 
preventative care. We can pay for it. The Congressional Budget Office 
said so.
  So today, Madam Speaker, I am here gladly to stand with the President 
and to join him in the question: What will you do? It's time to move on 
health care reform with a vigorous public option.

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