Healthcare

"Today I fought to save the Patients’ Bill of Rights and protect patients and consumers from the greed of insurance companies. Unfortunately, the House Republican majority voted to set up a vote next week that will force seniors to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for prescription drugs, to allow insurance companies to kick you off your insurance when you get sick, and to deprive you of needed preventative screenings recommended by your doctor," said Congressman Garamendi, a former health care advisor to President Bill Clinton.

"As we climb out of a deep recession, the insurance companies are kicking us back down. Fortunately, for rate increases over 10%, the 2010 health care reform allows the Federal government to review, question, and disclose facts to the public about the increase."

"House Republicans today clearly signaled their out-of-touch priorities, proposing a rule that will eliminate hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive up our deficit by $5 trillion. The American people have made it clear that they want jobs. Where are the jobs in this plan?"

"Today the American people saw a clear contrast in values," Garamendi said. "I think seniors who toiled for decades to create the America we love deserve to retire with dignity and financial security. My Republican colleagues unfortunately have different priorities."

"As a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia, I witnessed firsthand what happens when children don’t have access to reliable and nutritious food. No child in America, the richest country on Earth, should be deprived of food that nourishes them and allows them to be productive members of our society," Congressman Garamendi said. "We have a moral obligation to make sure every child has food on the table. This bill puts children first, helping to end childhood hunger and obesity."

“The Patient’s Bill of Rights was the most significant expansion of health care in America since the establishment of Medicare. Democrats in Congress ended lifetime limits in health coverage. We broadened access to preventative care without copays. We offered seniors in the Medicare Part D prescription drug donut hole immediate relief while completely closing the drug coverage gap in a few short years. Today is another important step on America’s road to a healthier tomorrow.”

"Much more work needs to be done to bring back American jobs and repair our economy. We need the steadfast leadership of Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer to lead our caucus in the rebuilding of America’s manufacturing sector and to pass Make It In America legislation."