[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[House]
[Page 26131]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  WHAT REFORM MEANS FOR ALL AMERICANS

  (Mr. SIRES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, 23 percent. That is the percentage of those 
living without health insurance in my district, the highest rate in New 
Jersey. My constituents are looking to me and this Chamber to 
accomplish health care reform this year. We must finish our work, not 
only for those without insurance, but for the other 77 percent that 
have insurance but are finding coverage more expensive.
  For those without insurance, we want to offer you affordable health 
care coverage. A new exchange will be created as a one-stop comparison 
shopping marketplace, including a public option to create competition 
for better prices and better coverage. To ensure coverage is within 
your means, affordability credits will be offered to help you buy 
insurance.
  Our plan will end discrimination for preexisting conditions and 
require coverage for preventive care without copays. To ensure no one 
goes broke because they get sick, a yearly limit will be placed on how 
much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses. And if you lose or 
change jobs, you will be able to get your own affordable insurance.
  This Nation deserves a more affordable, secure health care system. We 
cannot wait any longer for these reforms.

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