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VIDEO: Congressman Don Davis Delivers Remarks About Expanding Access to Health Care During First Speech on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives

January 12, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Don Davis took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to deliver remarks on expanding access to health care. During his remarks, Congressman Don Davis urged his colleagues to expand Medicaid coverage and improve access to affordable health care in North Carolina’s First Congressional District.

"It’s time for the federal government to honor the will of the people and expand vital health care coverage for nearly 100,000 eastern North Carolinians,” said Congressman Davis.

WATCH the full video HERE. 

See below for a transcript of Congressman Don Davis’ floor remarks:

Madam Speaker, I rise on behalf of eastern North Carolina.

Nearly 100,000 eastern North Carolinians do not have access to affordable health care, placing them in the Medicaid coverage gap.

Madam Speaker, more than a decade after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, 12 states have declined to expand coverage. This is simply unacceptable.

That is why one of my first acts as a Member of Congress included cosponsoring H.R. 31, the COVER Now Act.

This bill, introduced by my good friend, Lloyd Doggett of Texas, is a critical piece of legislation that would allow local authorities to provide health benefits to residents of states that have not yet expanded Medicaid.

Madam Speaker: The hardworking people of eastern North Carolina make up more than 20 percent of our state and we must do all we can to keep them safe and healthy.

I yield back.

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