House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

	“ Democratic priorities are clear: we will fight to get the economy back on track, we will create jobs, and we will help unemployed workers. ”

Home » Press Resources » Releases and Statements

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2004

CONTACT:
Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider
202-226-7616

Pelosi: Today’s Supreme Court Ruling Underscores Need for Real Patients’ Bill of Rights

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement today on the Supreme Court ruling on a medical malpractice case in Texas:

"Today's Supreme Court ruling that favors big HMOs over patients underscores what Democrats have known all along: the only way to give every American in every health plan the right to see a specialist, to go to the nearest emergency room, and to hold health care plans accountable when they cause harm, is to pass a real patients' bill of rights.

"During the 2000 campaign, George W. Bush promised that if he became President, 'people will be able to take their HMO insurance company to court.' He touted the law that passed in Texas. But in the case decided today, his Administration actually argued against the Texas law before the Supreme Court. And despite their pledge to complete a real bill, Republicans in Congress continue to delay action on a meaningful patients' bill of rights.

"The Republicans' double-talk on patients' rights has reached a new low. A right that cannot be enforced is not a right at all, it is just a request. We need a strong bill that protects all Americans and all plans, so that doctors, not insurance companies, can make medical decisions. The more than 190 million Americans who use managed care or other insurance plans are still waiting for the protections they were promised."

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi