    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 31 (Monday, August 6, 2001)]
    [Page 1129]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on House of Representatives Action on the Patients' Bill of
    Rights

    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.