Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this rule and the underlying bill, which finally puts us on the path to solving our nation’s health care crisis.  Since coming to Congress, I have heard from countless Rhode Islanders struggling with the failures of our health care system. I have heard from constituents forced to make the unconscionable choice between seeing their doctors or their next meal, paying their mortgage or losing their coverage, and families facing bankruptcy due to catastrophic medical costs.  The time for inaction is over.‪

This bill represents an historic opportunity to enact reforms that will allow constituents who lose their jobs to keep their health coverage, eliminate pre-existing conditions and protect people by abolishing lifetime insurance caps.  Every American deserves the promise of quality, affordable health care, and this is our moment to fulfill that promise.