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1992.09.09 :  Health Care Reform Legislation

Contact:  HHS Press Office (202) 690-6343
September 9, 1992

       At a press conference in front of the Capitol today, HHS 
Secretary Louis W. Sullivan, M.D., called on Congress to bring 
health care reform legislation to the floor of the Congress for a
vote during the current session.  He issued the following 
statement:

       "I have asked the press to join me this morning because of
what I see as a very distressing development in this highly-charged
political year.  I am referring to the story in Sunday's Washington
Post, which reveals some of the most senior members of the
Congressional leadership participating in a cynical and politically
self-serving diatribe on health care reform as a political weapon. 
Even in this high-stakes election year, I am stunned at this
display of callousness to the very real health care needs of
millions of Americans.

       "Unfortunately, this spirit of 'political gain at all costs'
has meant that the President's health care reform legislation,
which shares a great many features in common with many other plans,
and which enjoys bi-partisan support in Congress, isn't even
allowed to come before the Congressional membership for a vote.  I
find that unconscionable.

       "The President's plan, like many other plans from Democrats,
Republicans, and non-partisan study groups, would seek to reform
the insurance market; improve small employer purchasing power;
expand community based and rural health services; encourage
coordinated care; eliminate costly state mandated benefits; provide
fair tax treatment of health insurance premiums; allow state
experimentation; reform medical liability; reduce administrative
costs and red tape; encourage primary and preventive care; and
expand research to promote effective heath care.

       "Important parts of the President's plan are waiting to be
acted on.  These four pieces of legislation could help millions of
Americans have access to affordable health care immediately.  And
they could be voted on today.  In fact, they could have been voted
on months ago, if only the Democratic leadership would stop playing
political football with this critical piece of legislation.  All it
lacks is for the Democratic leadership to acknowledge that they
have neither a consensus for a better plan nor the votes to pass
one even if they did.    

       "Today, Congress is back from its latest summer recess.  And
today, I challenge Speaker Foley to put aside the political
rhetoric and partisan politics and allow the President's health
care legislation to come up for a vote.  The President has only the
health care interests of the American people in mind.  If Congress
shares that interest in America's health care needs, then I urge
them to support the President in this bi-partisan health care
legislation.

       "Let's show the American people that, even in an election
year, we can overcome short-sighted political impulses to deny
legislation that would clearly be in the common good.  I call on
Congress to vote on the President's plan.  Do it this week.  Do it
today.   The health care needs of millions of Americans shouldn't
be held hostage for even one more day in the name of political
partisanship."

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