Corrine Brown

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. That's right.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Let me give you a scenario. At one of my town hall meetings recently, a person came to me and said that they went to the hospital, and their bill was $77,000. They negotiated it down to $18,000, so, therefore, they didn't need health care. I said, Let me explain something to you. The hospital did not write that off out of the goodness of their hearts. They are charging it to us, a disproportionate share. We are paying the cost. There is a better way to provide services in this country, and it's not through the emergency room.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. What did I say? I said it when I started. I have never seen the perfect bill. It's a perfect beginning, and we're going to refine and massage this bill as we go on. Like I said, in 1992, we went after health care under President Clinton. We didn't get it, but we came out with the children's portion. And, of course, that's where we are now, and this is the second step. I want more. But the point is, in this body where you're not going to have one Republican vote under any circumstances--and let me tell you something. As far as health care, it's not Democrat; it's not Republican. Everybody needs it. And people who say they don't need it need the mental health portion. Everybody needs health care, period.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Yes, 9 percent.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. And that's why I did not vote for that bad bill, that doughnut, when I know so many people needed the coverage, but that was a bone that was thrown to the pharmaceuticals by the past administration, the Bush administration. That was a terrible indictment that was put on the seniors that needed the prescription drug coverage. And I have a similar incident. I went to the drug store to pick up my mother's prescription. Well, they said it was $200. I said, okay, look again. She came back. Because I knew my mother had TRICARE. She came back, and I think it was $12 or $15. But can you imagine a senior going there, not knowing where in the world they're going to get the $200. This is something that we are going to fix starting with this bill. This will make a difference for the seniors in this country.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Under the last administration, what they did in many areas is they would come in, they would farm out the jobs, and you could be in that same job paying maybe the same amount of money but no benefits. And that's what so many companies are doing.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Formulary.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. One other area, one lady came to one of my town hall meetings, and she was a black female. She mentioned that she was educated, and she was concerned about the deficit. But I said, Concerned about the deficit? Well, President Obama said that--you know, I look at it like when you've got your head in the lion's mouth; you've got to ease it out. We were under the Bush administration for 8 years. What was it? Tax breaks, tax breaks. I used to call it a reverse Robin Hood--robbing from the poor and working people to give tax breaks to the rich. Our effort toward health care will bring down that cost. Now, this young lady had a degree but could not get a job because she had a preexisting condition, epilepsy. So I told her, You are the poster child. The only reason she could not get a job is because she had a preexisting condition. Now, how would this work under this bill?

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute to a fine American, John Maudlin, on an occasion when he and his business have received a prestigious honor: the International Circle of Excellence Award for 2009. The Circle of Excellence, which is awarded by the International dealer organization of Navistar, Inc., honors International truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of dealer performance with respect to operating and financial standards, market representation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction. It is the highest honor a dealer principal can receive from the company. Under John's leadership, Maudlin International Trucks has grown into one of the preeminent truck dealerships in the Southeast and the entire nation, with 153 employees and five dealer locations in Orlando, Ocala, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach and Palm Bay. In 2007, the dealership also opened two parts and service locations. With this most recent award, Maudlin International has now received the Circle of Excellence Award a total of nine times. John has achieved this level of accomplishment and recognition through many years of hard work and service to his industry and community. He serves the International dealer network as a member of its Sales, Marketing and Finance Dealer Advisory Board. He is a strong supporter of the Metro Orlando economy through not only his International dealership, but also his successful truck leasing business, Ideal Lease of Orlando. That leasing business is a multi-year winner of the Ideal Gold Award for Excellence. Maudlin International Trucks is also very active in service to the community, staging the holiday party for the kids at the Arnold Palmer Children's Hospital, and engaging in annual adopt-a-family programs with the Orlando Rescue Mission and the Seminole Party Fire Department. John is also a strong supporter of the First Presbyterian Church of Orlando--as well as a diehard University of Alabama football fan. Through his commitment to hard work and outstanding customer service, he has built an economically vital business of which he can be justly proud. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join with me in congratulating John Maudlin for his record of accomplishment and for his many contributions to his community, State and Nation.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I stand in strong support of the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act introduced by my dear friend and colleague, Representative Maxine Waters. Like so many of my colleagues here in the Congress, and particularly in the CBC, we have been working to improve the lives of the people of Haiti for many, many years. I was in Haiti last October with Chairman Oberstar and Congressman Gregory Meeks, and we met with President Preval and members of the Haitian Cabinet to discuss ways to improve the nation's infrastructure system, which is absolutely vital to Haiti's future economic development. Haiti is an island filled with good-willed, hardworking people, yet their lives are extraordinarily difficult because their country has been in great turmoil for decades, long before the terrible earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince. Being from Florida, Haiti has always been very, very near and dear to my heart. In my congressional district of Florida, we worked with numerous area churches, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to make about 60 donations of tractor-trailers filled with supplies for the Haitian people. We worked with nonprofit organizations and with Food For The Poor, and it was transported by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line--all at no cost to the people of Haiti. You know, because Haiti is not on the front pages of the paper, their needs are very important, and we need to continue to work to help the people of Haiti. I want to thank all of my colleagues for doing it. This is a really wonderful first step.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, to whom God has given much, much is expected. We are truly blessed that we have had the opportunity to work and serve with Mr. Murtha. Now, I have my Mr. Murtha story. I was able to get Mr. Murtha to come to my district, Jacksonville, Florida, the Third Congressional District, which is a military district, but I knew that when he came that I would only have one shot. So I wanted to make sure I covered everything he needed to see in my district. We started out at the marine base, we went to the port, we went to Cecil Field, we went to Shands Hospital where we had the proton beam. Well, they had tried to get a proton beam in his area. I took the doctor in my area, so he was very shocked when he came to Jacksonville and found out that not only did I have the proton beam in Jacksonville, I had his doctor from his area. Then I had a reception scheduled for him, and, of course, he said, I don't work this hard. You have shown me everything that you want to develop in your district. Of course, the point is, he came, he saw, and we were able to get the services that the military people needed in my area. I will never forget, when I went to Normandy, and we had a visitors center, and they had just opened the visitors center there. It was a tribute to all of the people that had served and died in Normandy. And they had no place to go, it was all the crosses, but it was a center that Mr. Murtha and the chairman of Appropriations had gotten funded. Yes, it was an earmark, it was an earmark and a tribute to the people that had served this country. I will never forget how proud I was to go to that visitors center. That should be Mr. Murtha's name on that visitors center in Normandy because he did so much. In closing, I want to say we always sing the song ``God Bless America,'' and, yes, God blessed America because of Mr. Murtha. In closing, the scripture, Paul, he has fought a good fight and he has finished the course, but it is left up to us now to continue to work, to continue to work for our veterans, to continue to work for the military. This is the kind of tribute that we should pay to Mr. Murtha. The work is not finished. God did bless America with giving us the example of Mr. Murtha. I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of my close colleague and dear friend, Congressman John Murtha, Chairman of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1974, Rep. Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country, both in the military and in Congress. A former Marine, he was the first Vietnam combat Veteran elected to Congress. Ever since I came to Washington, Congressman Murtha and I had always had a very close relationship; in part, because my district, Florida's third, has a strong military presence, and because of our joint efforts in the arena of veterans affairs. Considered by most to be one of the most influential Democrats in the House, he was an expert and a leader on issues concerning Defense, the military, and our nation's veterans. Deeply respected by Republicans and Democrats alike, Congressman Murtha's leadership and institutional knowledge of all aspects of our nation's security policy will be greatly missed, as will his charm and leadership within the Democratic party. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Congressman's wife, Joyce, and the entire Murtha family.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to offer this resolution during Black History Month honoring African Americans' contributions to transportation and infrastructure in America. African Americans have played an instrumental role in developing and improving the transportation and infrastructure of the United States. African Americans have had significant and far-reaching influence on all modes of transportation, leading to major improvements in operations, safety, and security on our railways, airways, and highways. Because of the contributions of these pioneering African Americans, thousands of young people have been inspired to a higher calling. Without their contributions, we wouldn't have the bicycle, safety gates on bridges, turning signals, automatic traffic signals, air-conditioned trucks and rail cars, automatic transmissions, and hundreds of other inventions that make transportation safer and more efficient for everyone. Transportation also has a storied history in the civil rights movement. Everyone knows that Rosa Park's refusal to move to the back of the bus was one of the defining moments in the fight for equal rights for people of color. When I was elected to Congress in 1992, I, along with Congressman Alcee Hastings and Congresswoman Carrie Meek, were the first African Americans to serve in the House of Representatives from Florida since Reconstruction. From the moment I was elected, I fought for a seat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and I am honored to serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials. Serving on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has allowed me to provide good jobs and expand economic development and new transportation options for the people of my district, my State, and throughout the United States. Today on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, African Americans serve four Chairs in six subcommittees, and along with Chairman Oberstar and other Members, we are working to restore fairness for minorities and women in all aspects of our Nation's transportation system. We all do our part to support the Nation's transportation system, and we all deserve a seat at the table so we can build and design the systems of the future. I often compare it to my grandmother's delicious sweet potato pie: We all pay for the ingredients, and we all deserve a slice of the pie. I believe it is our duty to ensure that minorities and women-owned businesses are able to compete for contracts as we spend billions of Federal dollars on transportation projects. The tragedies in Haiti and the Gulf Coast show just how critical our transportation systems are to protecting our citizens; without it, we are often helpless. Too often we take our infrastructure for granted, but it is truly what separates a superpower from a Third World country. Lastly, I would like to talk about the importance of transportation to our economy. Transportation projects put people to work, create economic development, and provide a better community. Nothing creates jobs better than infrastructure projects. In fact, the $34.3 billion in the Recovery Act for transportation projects created 250,000 direct jobs and 760,000 indirect jobs. Today we are standing on the shoulders of those pioneering giants that came before us. As we make bigger strides each day to improve transportation, we must not forget the ``never give up'' attitude that made these inventions and milestones possible. I would encourage all Members to vote ``yes'' on this resolution and show their support for the brave men and women who against all odds made America a better place to live. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include additional materials on House Resolution 1085.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1085) honoring and celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to the transportation and infrastructure of the United States.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. It is an honor to be here today with our distinguished guest chaplain, Rev. Bertrain Bailey, who is Pastor of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson's constituent. Rev. Bailey is well known for his strong faith and the work he is doing in the Dallas, Texas, community. He has impacted the lives of thousands of congregation members, and I am pleased that he could be with us today in the House of Representatives to share his prayers and wisdom. For over 130 years, the Missionary Baptist Church has been known for its tradition of serving the church family and community. During his time at St. John's, Rev. Bailey has proven an energetic and dynamic leader. His spirit and initiative have endeared him to current members and attracted new members. I am pleased to be able to share his faith and inspiration with my colleagues. I thank Rev. Bailey for his presence and his blessing.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Florida and myself, I rise today to remember and honor the life of someone very dear to me, my congressional office, and so many people here in the Washington, D.C. area, as well as many, many people of the Third Congressional District of Florida: my scheduler, office manager, and executive assistant, Mrs. Darla Smallwood-Wran, who passed away from breast cancer this morning. When I came to Washington and hired the scheduler of my predecessor, Congressman Charlie Bennett, I thought at the time she was overpaid. Quickly, however, I began to realize that there was no dollar amount that could be placed on the value of Darla. A scheduler, office manager, I discovered very quickly is the foundation of an effective congressional office. And Darla, with her strong, persistent personality, her organizational skills, dotting every ``i'' and crossing every ``t,'' she never missed a beat. For 17 years, Darla was the face of my Washington office. I want to say to her family, her father who is a police officer here, her mother and sisters and her loving husband, we love her, we can't replace her, and we will deeply, deeply miss her. As many times as I would have to change my flights, as often as the vote schedule changed, as frequently as meetings had to be coordinated, updated, rearranged, Darla was ever dependable, and always cool-headed, making everyone feel that the situation was always under control, even as my other staffers nervously buzzed in and out of the room. Everyone who came in knew her, and certainly knew not to lean on her desk, touch the plants on her desk or worse than anything, interrupt her if she was on a call. I think everyone would agree that Darla was loved, and respected, by everyone who came into contact with her. Her unmistakable smile, witty sense of humor and love of life blew fresh air and positive energy into the office. My heart and prayers go out to Darla and to her family, in particular her mother and father, her sisters, and her loving husband Channing. You are irreplaceable Darla, and you will be deeply missed. In addition, I want to say that I am in support of the Haitian resolution before the House. I have always said to whom God has given much, much is expected. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of the island of Haiti and to the Haitian community who live here in the United States and around the world. The loss of life and destruction of property in Haiti is unthinkable. I want to thank the ministers, the business community, the organizations that have organized in our community, the Third Congressional District. We have seven tractor-trailers that will be going to Haiti filled with water, baby formula, dry cereal, blankets, tents, and sleeping bags. I want to say that the Royal Caribbean cruise line is carrying those goods over free of cost. I am very encouraged how the community is coming together to help the people of Haiti, and I can truly say, if you are interested in being helpful, go to the Web site and see how you can also participate. In closing, I really do believe to whom God has given much, much is expected.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I've been here 17 years, and I really believe that you have got to stand for something or fall for everything. Today, as subcommittee Chair of Railroads, I am appalled that we are including language in this omnibus bill that allows people to carry guns on Amtrak. This is a failure of leadership on every single level. We are passing legislation that endangers the safety of 27 million passengers who ride Amtrak each year. This language was opposed by both the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Homeland Security Committee as well as opposed by numerous other Members. Yet we are forcing this unnecessary provision on millions of passengers and are jeopardizing homeland security for absolutely no reason. I have traveled the rail systems throughout the world. None of them allow guns on their systems. We are taking a dangerous step backwards and are stripping Amtrak of its ability to set security standards and to protect its customers and employees. There was a deadly terrorist attack in Russia just 2 weeks ago on a train. The same thing happened in Madrid, Spain, in Mumbai, India, and in London, England. Each attack has emphasized the importance of passenger rail security. These incidents also clearly demonstrate the fact that security in rail environments presents unique opportunities for terrorists. Trains are not like airplanes. You don't have metal detectors, and you don't have the TSA officials there or law enforcement officers processing passengers through these stations. We haven't provided Amtrak the resources to fully fund this operation, let alone the additional costs and manpower that will be needed to comply with this legislation. The traveling public deserves better. I am asking each Member to vote ``no'' on this rule so we can come back and get a fair rule pertaining to the traveling public.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of Congressional District Three and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Corporal Sylvester Watts (Retired). We are all saddened that Sylvester is gone, but joyful that he has gone to be with his Heavenly Father. Sylvester Watts was born October 8, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Pastor Van B. and Missionary Ruby Watts. He was the youngest of 11 children; his parents, three brothers and one sister, Rufus, Reverend Roosevelt, John and Otha, made their transition from life-mortal ahead of him. He transitioned to await the resurrection on November 29, 2009 at his home in Chicago, Illinois. Sylvester accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age under the pastorate of his father at Greater Progressive Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois where he served as an usher and a member of the Youth Choir. Sylvester joined the United States Marine Corps May 1, 1967, was temporarily retired April 16, 1969 and honorably discharged on September 30, 1974. He served his country with dignity and honor and attained the rank of Corporal. During his Military Service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with device and Marksman Rifle Badge. Having been reared in a Christian home where the Word of God, the love and support of family were the guiding principles, Sylvester learned early in life that ``if a man doesn't work, he doesn't eat'', so in spite of the emotional and psychological issues he faced as a result of his tenure in Viet Nam, he was determined to survive. Sylvester attended Elmhurst College where he majored in Business Administration. He was gainfully employed with Gerber Products Company, Watts Side Grocery (family owned) the Deputy Sheriffs Office, Strategic Services Unit, Daley Center, Chicago, Illinois, Sodexho Marriott, Trajo Enterprises and Rich Cake Enterprises. Sylvester leaves to cherish precious memories: Missionary Janet Watts-DuPart, Reverend Lucille Watts-Watson, Reverend Van Watts, Jr. (Ruth), Benny Watts, Reverend Frank Watts, Evangelist Shirley Watts Kyles Green; Nephews: Calvin Andre, Van Blair, Vincent, Victor, Vaughn, Joseph Preston, Joseph B., Anthony, Troy, Torrence, Ivyl, Michael, Steven, Anthony; Nieces: Barbette, Janet, Loretta, Christiana, Angie, Janet, Jacquelene, Tina L., Cheryl Lynn, Donna Michelle, Lori Alva, Rubi and Kora; a special nephew, Pastor Alfonzo Cleveland and a special friend, Reverend Jeanne L. Edwards, who engaged him in intellectual spiritual conversations at the dinner table whenever family gathered. We, the Watts family, continue to strive to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. He alone is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jude v 21&24.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, this communication is forwarded on behalf of the constituents of the Third Congressional District of Florida and myself as we pay tribute to the life of Isiah Jessie ``Ike'' Williams, III. We are deeply and profoundly saddened by the loss of our dear friend, mentor and brother ``Ike'' Williams. This man of great stature and bearing was the epitome of a gentleman and a scholar. We were moved by his passion, emboldened by his commitments, honored by his friendship and made all the better by his innate wisdom and his belief in the integrity of the human experience. His was a purposeful life and one that helped shape the destinies of historical figures with whom he conversed, and equally so that of the common man and woman, in whom he placed unwavering faith. We came to know him as a dedicated servant to his people and just causes, a scholar and historian without comparison. We were assured for we came to know the absoluteness of his word, the sanctity of his promise, the depth of his intellect, the breadth of his worldly experiences, his place in history, and of his true love for his wife, his family and his friends. We come now to remember the man, the Korean War Veteran, the lawyer, the educator, the editor and publisher and most preciously we come to remember our friend. We are poised to remember him as repository of our histories--spoken, written and shared. His was the force of change through direct action, intervention, education and by challenging the very fabric of society. By his very being we were blessed; and in this moment in our collective memories, we pray for the family and find solace in the knowledge that ``Ike'' has found that eternal peace in the embrace of his Heavenly Father.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support health care reform, which will benefit women who change jobs; and I want to add that health care insurance companies cannot deny people health care because of preexisting conditions.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, like the majority of Americans, I am well aware of the desperate need in our country for comprehensive health care reform. In fact, the immediate need for reform became crystal clear to me when, over the August district period, I went to a hospital in Jacksonville to visit a friend. This friend, who had worked in the Duval County school system for over 25 years, had lost his job, was without health insurance, was struggling to support himself, and had no idea how he was going to be able to pay the hospital bill. For the many, many Americans who find themselves in similar situations: for the woman who cannot get insurance coverage because she is diabetic and has a pre-existing condition, to the one in nine children in America without health care, to the millions of middle class American citizens who skip necessary treatments because they cannot afford it, it is for them that the Affordable Healthcare for America Act, which will ensure that all Americans are covered and have access to affordable care, is necessary. Unfortunately, the bill passed the House without any Republican support. Although many pieces of legislation this session have advanced in a bipartisan manner, particularly in my committees of specialization, Veterans Affairs and Transportation, health care has not been an issue of biparty agreement. In 2003, the Republican Party pushed through a horrible Medicare Prescription drug law that was voted along party lines, in which the Republicans included a ``donut hole'' provision, in which there is a wide gap in coverage that forces the co- payer to pay for much of their own prescription drug costs. Fortunately, the bill on the Floor today will begin to close this loophole. Similarly, today's bill in the House as well as the Senate health care bill, are advancing without any Republican support. Social Security was created in 1935 by Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the New Deal, Medicare, in 1965, and Medicaid, in 1965, through Title XIX of the Social Security Act. All of these programs were created by Democrats without the votes of the majority of Republicans. One aspect of health care reform of utmost importance to me is maintaining proper funding for Disproportionate Share Hospitals (DSH), like Shands Jacksonville (and Gainesville), who provide healthcare to uninsured and/or individuals with limited incomes. Disproportionate Share Hospitals are invaluable, as they are the one true safety net for the working poor nationwide. I fought hard to keep DSH funding in the Budget Reconciliation negotiations during the Clinton years, and have been working throughout the entire process to ensure that their funding was not stripped in the health care bill before us today. Another extremely important issue addressed in this bill is that it prevents insurance companies from denying people coverage based on pre- existing medical conditions. Indisputably, denying a health insurance plan to someone merely because they're likely to need a particular form of medical care runs contrary to the underlying reason for providing medical insurance and medical care in the first place. So the bill before the House today opens doors to quality medical care to those who were shut out of the system for much too long, and also makes prevention a key piece of this legislation's goal, since it puts a renewed emphasis on preventive care, expands access to screenings and other treatments, and even promotes wellness in the workplace. Indeed, for nearly a century leaders from all over the political spectrum, beginning with President Theodore Roosevelt, have called and fought for health care and health insurance reform. Finally today, the House of Representatives, the People's House, is about to deliver on the promise of making affordable, quality health care available for all Americans, The Affordable Health Care for America Act is founded on key principles of American success: opportunity, choice, competition, and innovation. Among the many positive things this bill does, a few items that stand out is that it will provide coverage to nearly all our nation's citizens, while at the same time reducing the deficit by $32 billion over the first 10 years. It will also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate drug prices for Medicare beneficiaries; begin to close the prescription drug ``donut hole'' immediately; create a new, voluntary insurance program to make long- term care more affordable; and repeal the anti-trust exemption for health insurance companies. For Floridians in particular, where more than one in five residents do not have health insurance, and for my constituents in Florida's third congressional district and minority communities nationwide, the need for health care reform is obvious. For the African American community and Hispanics, groups who make up nearly half of the estimated 50 million Americans who lack insurance, this is imperative. In addition, health care costs have become outright unsustainable, and experts predict that in the near future, one-fifth of our nation's GDP will go towards health care spending. The benefits for my district, Florida's third, are numerous. In fact, the Affordable Health Care Act will: Improve employer-based coverage for 300,000 residents; provide credits to help pay for coverage for up to 192,000 households; improve Medicare for 93,000 beneficiaries, including closing the prescription drug donut hole for 6,600 seniors; allow 20,100 small businesses to obtain affordable health care coverage and provide tax credits to help reduce health insurance costs for up to 18,400 small businesses; provide coverage for 138,000 uninsured residents; protect up to 1,400 families from bankruptcy due to unaffordable health care costs; reduce the cost of uncompensated care for hospitals and health care providers by $145 million. For too long, health care has been a privilege, not a right in America. And for years our nation's leaders have fought to bring the promise of quality, affordable health care to every American. Today is a groundbreaking moment in this historic effort. Indeed, we are now closer than ever to guaranteeing every American access to quality, affordable health insurance and giving middle-class families and businesses relief from crushing costs, while simultaneously reducing our nation's deficit.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, tonight, I'm thinking about my grandmother, and all the grandmothers out there--back in November of 2003 when the Republicans passed their Medicare Prescription Drug bill, they put a provision in there known as the donut hole. And that's why I voted against that bill because I knew that my Grandma needed her prescriptions yet couldn't afford them because of this gap in coverage. And they made it illegal for the Secretary of HHS to negotiate the prices of drugs, even though we in Congress allow the VA and DOD to negotiate drug prices. Yet this bill closes that prescription drug loophole. It makes it impossible for insurance companies to deny people health care because of a pre-existing condition, and it allows the Secretary of HHS to negotiate drug prices, which WILL help to bring down cost. Secondly, one of the most family friendly provisions in this bill: families can keep their children on their health care insurance policy until age 27! This will be a great assistance to young adults studying in graduate school, or those just starting out in their career and barely making enough to get by. To whom God has given much, much is expected. I strongly urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill to reform health care in our country and make sure access to health care is a right for every American, not a privilege.

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida

Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I am extremely sad to announce a tragedy in Orlando, Florida, today. Early reports are saying that at least two people are dead and six have been wounded in a mass shooting at an office building in downtown Orlando. Seven people were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center and one to Florida Hospital South. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the victims. Madam Speaker, would you please ask the House to stand. These are two tragic back-to-back days in our country. Let's ask to pray for our country and for the families and the victims.