Ladies and gentlemen, I know that we deal with a lot of issues here in Congress.  But there is probably no issue more important to millions of moms across the country than health care. 

When your son or daughter is sick, there is nothing more important than making sure they get better.  And many women across this country are taking care of their parents and in-laws.  Often consumed with countless tests and doctors appointments and wrestling with insurance companies and Medicare. 

As we address health care, what does every American deserve?  What does every mom demand?  First, it’s to have access to doctors and nurses you know and trust.  The doctor-patient relationship is one of the most important relationships in our country and it’s really the foundation of our health care system.

Second is to protect the high quality of health care that we’ve enjoyed.  We’ve been the innovators.  We’ve been the ones to do the research to cure diseases and we have really been the envy of the world.

And third is to reduce health care costs.  This must be at the heart of reform.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.  I look forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to address this issue.