Rep. Shelley Berkley voices support for health care bill

Here's what Rep. Shelley Berkley had to say, just before the House voted on the health care bill Saturday:

"I rise today in support of this piece of legislation that will expand health care coverage to millions of my fellow Americans.

"The way we provide health care in this country is unsustainable.  In Nevada the cost of a private family health insurance plan is expected to grow from over $11,000 in 2009 to more than $19,000 in 10 years from now.  If we do nothing we will reach a point in this country where hardly anyone will be able to afford health insurance.

"This bill is good for Nevada.  Over 400,000 uninsured Nevadans will be able to get health insurance because of this bill.

This bill is good for Nevada seniors. it closes the doughnut hole, eliminates cost pays for preventive services and extends the life of Medicare over five years.

"The bill isn't perfect, doesn't contain a provision to protect bone density tests I fought for and doesn't fix the Medicare physician payment system and we must fix both, but I do support this for the needed reforms that are included.  It's a great first step.  Faye Schwartzer in Las Vegas,  Nevada, this is for you."