Rep. Higgins Delivers Remarks on the Need for Health Reform

On November 7, 2009, Ways and Means member Brian Higgins (D-NY) spoke about the urgency for health reform in the United States saying, "The American health care industry is a $2.5 trillion industry. it represents 17% of the american economy as membered -- measured by the gross domestic product. yet our outcomes according to the world health organization are pathetically falling behind. we are 37th in overall quality, unacceptable in america. we are 41st in infant mortality. That means in 40 other countries, from birth to 1 year of age, kids live by a higher percentage than they do in the united states. unacceptable in america. We are dead last of any industrialized country in preventable deaths. Unacceptable in a good and generous nation. this is a uniquely american problem with uniquely american solutions. we look to not for profit plans like the cleveland clinic, the mayo clinic, johns hopkins, where -- johns hopkins, early adapters of new innovation and they are producing the highest quality health care not only in the nation but throughout the world. at the lowest possible cost. that's the health care that i want for my family, that's the health care that i want for my community and that's the health care that i want for my nation. We've been debating this issue not for seven months but for seven decades. it's time for change. i understand that reform is tough. the reformer has enemies in all those who profit by the older order. and only luke warm defenders and all those who would profit by the new order. On health care, most americans are rooting for the reformer."

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[pickytube]

I am proud to live in a district that Brian Higgins is a representative. Thank you Brian Higgins

[Spigelia1]

THANK YOU REP HIGGINS!!!