...sorry that I took so much time. The CHAIRMAN. That is quite all right. It was an excellent statement. Senator Kennedy? OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for having this hearing. I want to welcome Judy Heumann back to the committee and...

...health insurance industry. I welcome all of our guests and will now turn it over to my good friend, Senator Kennedy. OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you for having this hearing and for convening our excellent panel and express a warm...

...lesbian or heterosexual, to be fairly judged on their work, not on an unrelated personal characteristic. Senator Kennedy? OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank you very much for scheduling today's important hearing. The evidence of such bigotry...

...Insurance Commissioners, NAIC, and chairs the NAIC Health Committee. We are pleased to have you here. Senator Kennedy? / OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Senator Jeffords for convening this hearing on patient protections. The case for action...

...increase retirement coverage and then, after that, increase retirement savings and so on and so on. Senator Kennedy. OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to join you in welcoming Mr. McGahey to the committee and say that I think we will be very fortunate...

...and any written statements and questions for the record should be submitted within that time frame. Senator Kennedy? OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will just take a moment. I would like to ask that my complete statement be put in the record. I just...

...of students, and providing incentives to support innovation and student improvement. The CHAIRMAN. Senator Kennedy. OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I apologize for my voice. I thank you for holding the hearing, Mr. Chairman, and I ask that my statement...

...Insurance Commissioners, NAIC, and chairs the NAIC Health Committee. We are pleased to have you here. Senator Kennedy? / OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Senator Jeffords for convening this hearing on patient protections. The case for action...

...few minutes. [Recess.] The hearing will come to order. Before we get started again, I will recognize Senator Kennedy. OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know we want to hear from our witnesses, and we apologize for running back and forth to vote. I want...

...forward to your remarks. I will turn first to our ranking member, Senator Kennedy, for any comments. OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR KENNEDY Senator KENNEDY. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have just a brief comment. I want to thank you for calling this hearing on the proposed rules to safeguard...