(Washington, DC, - October 21, 2003)—Calling it the “investment that the country must make to bring wellness within the reach of every one of its residents,” Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen helped to roll our the Democratic proposed Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 at a Tuesday morning press conference.  Christensen joined with minority caucus colleagues and the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate to unveil the bill which will be introduced this week.

 “It is an investment that must be made if we are ever to reverse the spiraling increases in the cost of health care in this country,” Christensen added.  In addition to general provisions that would aid the territory, the bill is most significant because it contains language to lift the cap on Medicaid and treat the territories as states where critical funding is needed.

 “In America, minorities receive poorer quality health care than non-minorities – even when both groups have roughly the same insurance coverage, the same income, the same age and the same health conditions,” said Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle.  “This is more than a minority issue or a health care issue.  It is a moral issue.  It’s also a serious economic problem.”

 “We have developed a plan that would help end these health disparities,” said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.  “Our plan increases health coverage and access for minorities while improving research and government accountability.”

 “The introduction of the Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 signifies a milestone in our efforts to improve the life and livelihood of all Americans,” said Congressman Elijah Cummings, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus.  “I hope that we in the Congress could all work together t ensure passage of this bill so that American lives can be enhanced and saved.

 “Whether it’s improving health care access, ensuring that limited English proficient individuals can understand their health care options, or encouraging more children to become doctors an nurses, this bill sets us on the right path for a healthier future,” said Congresswoman Hilda Solis, Chair of the Health Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.