[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10973]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               COMMEMORATING NATIONAL WOMEN'S HEALTH WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, July 8, 2013

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to join the rest of the 
country in observing National Women's Health Week during the week of 
May 12th through the 18th. As the well-being of all Americans is 
important, our women have been and will always be the backbone of this 
country. We must continue to protect and encourage women in their 
efforts to stay healthy.
  National Women's Health Week was initiated by President Barack Obama 
in 2012 as a result of the Affordable Care Act, which I proudly 
sponsored. The President believes in honoring women by demanding gender 
equality in the health arena. Reportedly, women pay higher health 
insurance premiums than men. The Affordable Care Act prohibits 
discrimination against women, including making it illegal for insurance 
companies to deny coverage for women who have preexisting conditions 
such as cancer or pregnancy.
  I encourage all women to make their health a priority this year and 
schedule professional, health care visits for regular check-ups and 
preventative screening. Many times, women are often caring for others 
that they pay less attention to their health--physically, mentally, and 
emotionally. I commend organizations that provide women with 
preventative services, such as New York's own Harlem Healthy Living and 
Community Healthy Network.
  We must recommit ourselves to caring for the well-being of women 
everywhere. This year, I stand with my fellow colleagues in Congress to 
continue providing services that protect and secure women and their 
well-being.

                          ____________________