REPORT OF THE
CHIEF LEGISLATIVE
DATE:
November
TO:
Honorable Members of the Information Technology & Government
Committee
FROM:
Gerry F. Miller
ChiefLegislativeY~alyst-
SUBJECT:
3,
ANALYST
2009
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Affairs
Council File No: 09-0002-S174
Assignment No: 09-09-1521
Resolution (Koretz-Alarcon) to SUPPORT Congressional action to name the final
health care legislation in honor of Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy
CLA RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution (Koretz-Alarcon) to include in the City's 2009-10
Federal Legislative Program SUPPORT of Congressional action to name the final health care
legislation in honor of Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy.
SUMMARY
Resolution (Koretz-Alarcon), introduced on September 1, 2009 advises that Senator Kennedy
served nine terms in the Senate making him one of the most senior members in the Senate and the
third longest serving Senator in U.S. history. He was known for introducing numerous laws
addressing wide-ranging issues, including:immigration, civil rights, education, cancer research,
health insurance, and with a malignant brain tumor and passed away on August 25, 2009 and that
naming health care reform legislation after Senator Kennedy would recognize his commitment to
ensuring the health of every American, and serve as an honr and tribute to his ideals. The
Resolution therefore requests that the City to support Congressional action that health care reform
legislation be named after Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy.
BACKGROUND
Throughout his Senate career, Senator Kennedy championed the cause of quality health care for
all Americans. Among the many landmark laws enacted under his leadership and sponsorship are
the Protection and Advocacy for Mentally III Individuals Act of 1986, the Nutrition Labeling and
Education Act of 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Ryan White Comprehensive
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Emergency Kctott990-;-tne-Natic:fnal-Irrstitute-s-of-Ite-alth-Revitalizatiun-kcro,-F[-----1993, the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997,
creation of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under the Balanced Budget Act
of 1997, the Children's Health Act of2000, the Project Bio Shield Act of2003, the Pandemic and
All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2005, the FDA Amendments Act of 2007 and the Genetic
Information Nondiscrimination Act of2008.
On July 14,2009 Rep. John D. Dingell introduced H.R. 3200, the America's Affordable Health
Choices Act of 2009, that sets forth provisions governing health insurance plans and issuers,
including: (1) exempting granfathered health insurance coverage from requirements ofthis Act;
(2) prohibiting preexisting condition exclusions; (3) providing for guaranteed coverage to all
individuals and employers and automatic renewal of coverage; (4) prohibiting premium variances,
except for reasons of age, area, or family enrollment; and (5) prohibiting rescission of health
insurance coverage without clear and convincing evidence of fraud. Support of Congressional
action to name HR 3200 on behalf of Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy would honor his
legacy.
BILL STATUS
7/3112009
10114/2009
House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported
(Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 31-28.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 168
Manuel Alex Moya
Analyst
GFM:LO:IS:mam
Attachment:
Resolution (Koretz-Alarcon)
INF(lDMATION' TECH ..& GOVT. AFFMRS
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WHEREAS, any official position of the City of Los Angeles with respect to legislation, rules,
regulations 'or policies proposed to or pending before a local state or federal governmental body or
agency must have first been adopted in the form of a Resolution by the City Council with the
concurrence of the Mayor; and
.
WHEREAS, Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy was born on February 22, 1932, the
youngest of nine children; and
WHEREAS, he was a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Virginia Law School;
and
WHEREAS,
Massachusetts; and
he began his political career in 1962 serving as United States Senator from
.
WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy served nine terms in the Senate making him one of the most
senior members in the Senate and the third longest serving Senator in U.S. history; and
WHEREAS, he introduced numerous laws addressing various issues including, immigration,
cancer research, health insurance, AIDS care, civil rights, and education; and
WHEREAS, he was known for his ability to compromise with the other party and was widely
respected for his commitment to progress and his ability to legislate, making him widely known as the
"Lion of the Senate,"; and
WHEREAS, in 2008 Senator Ted Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and,
passed away on August 25, 2009; and
WHEREAS, when legislation regarding health care reform is signed into law it should bear his
name. to recognize his commitment to ensuring the health of every American and as an honor and tribute
to his ideals.; and
WHEREAS, Senator Ted Kennedy's prolific career and contributions
forgotten;
in the Senate will not be
.
.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, with the concurrence of the Mayor, that by the
adoption of this Resolution, the City of Los Angeles, hereby includes in its 2009-2010 Federal
Legislative Program, SUPPORT of Congressional action to name the final health care legislation in
honor of Senator Edward Moore "Ted" Kennedy.
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