SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH FAIRNESS ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - July 26, 2005)

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Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the motion to recommit because AHPs are awful health plans. AHPs roll back State benefit standards that protect women and children. They are awful for women; they are awful for children.

Our motion protects Americans who have access to mental health benefits. It protects families' access to maternity care and well-baby checks.

Maternity coverage is critical for women. It should not be optional. Fortunately, many States require health plans to cover maternity care and well-baby checks for their children. The bottom line is healthy moms equal healthy children. Healthy children, valuing children's lives, should be a goal we all share.

Children deserve a healthy start in life with regular visits to the doctor and necessary immunizations. Preventive care makes economic sense. It can prevent avoidable illness and reduce future health care costs.

I encourage all Members to reject awful health plans and to support the motion to recommit.

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