    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [August 2, 2001]
    [Page 939]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on House of Representatives Action on Patients' Bill of Rights
    Legislation
    August 2, 2001

        Today's action brings us an important step closer to ensuring that
    patients get the care they need and that HMOs are held accountable.
        I appreciate the bold leadership and hard work of Speaker
    Hastert, Congressman Norwood, Congressman Fletcher, and
    others for their efforts to make patient protections a reality for all
    Americans after years of gridlock.
        As this bill heads to the conference committee, I remain committed
    to extending the hand of cooperation to all who share a commitment to
    achieving real results for better health care for every American.