"Today, we are facing a health-care crisis. It is astounding that in the U.S. - the only remaining superpower, the country with the largest GNP and the world's economic driver - there are 44 million Americans who cannot afford health care. That is outrageous.

"Nowhere is this health-care gap more striking than in our nation's small businesses. More than 60 percent of the 33 million adults and 11 million children without health insurance are small-business owners, their employees or their families.

"Small businesses bear the brunt of the health insurance crisis because of the two 'c's' - choice and cost. These are the two things that keep affordable, quality health care out of reach for small businesses."

Ranking Member, House Small Business Committee, Opening remarks at the hearing on March 5, 2003