To designate "God Bless America" as the national hymn of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, Americans should be confident that they have access to quality health care. So I support the resolution, H.R. 99, promoted by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers) which gives guidance to provide insurance to all Americans.

Over the past 3 years, 3.8 million Americans lost their health insurance and 43 million Americans are now uninsured. Health insurance premiums have increased almost 50 percent since the beginning of the Bush administration and four times faster than workers' earnings last year.

In a related issue, minority groups often encounter major obstacles in obtaining health care. Minority groups are less likely to have health insurance and are less likely to receive the appropriate health care services. The Health Care Equality and Accountability Act of 2003 would go far in lifting the shadow of health disparities that fall not only on minority communities but on all Americans. Also, this legislation would make quality health care more affordable, providing coverage for parents and young adults who are currently uninsured.