WASHINGTON, DC  - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky was joined today by over 50 members of Congress in introducing a resolution urging Congress to pass legislation that provides universal health care by 2008. Nearly 46 million Americans are uninsured and millions more are so poorly insured that they cannot afford to get sick or injured.  In 2006, health care spending is expected to approach $2.2 trillion in the U.S., accounting for more than 16% of GDP.

Schakowsky’s resolution urges Congress to ensure that every American has access to affordable, comprehensive, high-quality care.

“The U.S. spends more on health care and provides less coverage than other developed nations around the world. Reforming our health care system is a moral imperative – we do not even guarantee preventive coverage for our children. Skyrocketing health care costs are stretching the wallets of most families and hindering the competitiveness of American businesses. We can and we must reduce costs, guarantee coverage, and provide quality care.”

The Schakowsky resolution urges Congress to:

► Provide a single, universal standard of excellence in care for all patients
► Make health care affordable to individuals, families,  businesses and taxpayers
► Make health care cost-efficient
► Provide comprehensive benefits, including mental health services (with parity) and preventive care
► Eliminate disparities in access to quality care
► Address the needs of people with special health care needs and underserved rural and urban populations
► Promote quality and improved health outcomes
► Address the need to have qualified health care providers in adequate numbers, including safety net providers, providing them with adequate and timely payments
► Maximize choice while giving patients the information needed to select their own providers