Van Hollen Statement In Support Of The Health Care And Education Affordability Act Of 2010

Statement

Today Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Assistant to the Speaker, spoke on the floor of the House in support of the Health Care and Education Affordability Act of 2010. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"They called it a dangerous device invented in Nazi Germany. They said it was a communist plot and a method of imposing Stalinism.

"Those were the statements made by the opponents of Medicare during the debate in 1965. Medicare now provides health coverage and economic freedom to 45 million Americans.

"Now, 45 years later, this legislation will ensure that 32 million more Americans have access to affordable health care and that no American is held hostage to the abusive practices of the insurance industry.

"As in 1965, we have the fear mongering, the scare tactics, and the rhetoric of mass distortions. This morning, Republican Leader Boehner even said this bill will bring about "Armageddon.'

"The day after this legislation is signed by the President, Americans will see that the world is not coming to an end. They will see that there are no death panels.

"They will begin to see a system that begins to work for them, not the insurance industry that is spending millions to kill the bill. Their children will no longer be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions. It will make prescription drugs more affordable for seniors. It will allow young people to stay on their parents' insurance up to age 26. It will ban insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. The American people will see change they can believe in."

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