Health Care Reform

Floor Speech

Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mr. Speaker, there's a motto inscribed on Nebraska's State Capitol. It says, ``The Salvation of the State is Watchfulness in the Citizen.'' Mr. Speaker, Nebraskans and all Americans are watching this health care debate. Frankly, I think they're growing tired--tired of the backroom dealing, tired of the abuse of the legislative process, and tired of the unwillingness of this body to craft the right policy for our country.

Overall, Nebraskans, and I assume most Americans, want a good health care bill, one that truly strengthens health care outcomes for everyone and reduces cost while we protect vulnerable persons. Instead, with Washington-style elitism, efforts are continuing behind closed doors on a measure that is filled with special deals that will substantially shift costs, erode health care liberties, and add to increased and unsustainable government spending.

Mr. Speaker, our constituents are watching to see if the health care legislation is fair--fair to seniors, fair to families, fair to small businesses, fair to the hardworking citizens across this country.

Mr. Speaker, I believe we can do better.

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