"This

is a very dramatic change and it was welcomed by many Republicans and

Democrats alike.

"Some

argued that the best way to give laid-off workers access to health care

is to provide a 75 percent subsidy for COBRA premiums, as well as access

to state Medicaid programs.

"Others

disagreed, and preferred a broader tax credit for health insurance premiums.

"This

package falls somewhere in between providing a 60 percent advanceable,

refundable tax credit for all health insurance.

"It is

not a whole loaf for anyone, but it represents a practical solution and

is the best way to do what we all want help workers before it is too late.

"The package

also includes help for state governments something our governors and legislatures

right now desperately need and want.

"It provides

almost $5 billion in payments to state Medicaid programs. This doesn't

represent everything states or many of us wanted. I was hoping to get

a fix for the upper payment limit.

"But again

Madam President, it is half a loaf. As it is now, we have no loaf. We

have no loaf at all. We don't even have a slice.

"Who was

it who said, 'Let them eat cake? ...'

"Thank

you, Madam President."