National Women's Health Week

Floor Speech

* Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud the actions of the House of Representatives in recognizing the importance of women's health in our society. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 268, which empowers women to make their health a top priority.

* Mother's Day marked the start of National Women's Health Week. This observance is coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office on Women's Health. This resolution encourages women to take small steps to improve their health and reduce their risk for many diseases.

* This resolution reaffirms the sense of the House that all women must have access to medical services and receive fair treatment. Many women have faced significant obstacles in caring for themselves and their families. This is why I voted with a majority of the House to pass health care reform. Health care reform has lowered costs for women, and prohibits insurance companies from overcharging because of gender or denying coverage because of a preexisting condition. Health care reform has improved women's access to medical services by requiring new health care plans to cover preventative care, routine screenings, and regular checkups.

* During National Women's Health Week, it is important to encourage our wives, mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts to make time to improve their health, and prevent disease. When women make their health a priority and take small, manageable steps to improve their health, the results can be significant and our entire nation benefits. The health of women is not just a women's issue, but an American issue that affects all of us.

* May 10th was National Women's Checkup Day. I urge all women in my district, who have not done so already, to make an appointment with their health care professional. Also, I encourage the women in Georgia's Fourth District to take advantage of the educational events, workshops, and conferences taking place in Atlanta this week.

* I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution which encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Source