WASHINGTON, March 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Majority Whip James E. Clyburn held a photo opportunity this afternoon with representatives from the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH) following their meeting in the Capitol. Below are the Speaker's opening remarks:

"Good afternoon. I am proud to be here with the National Association of Public Hospitals as we stand ready to pass health care for all Americans. I want, not only am I proud to be with them, but I also want to thank them for what they do. They make our communities and our country healthier, how they address the needs of people with no insurance as uncompensated care, which we hope to address in our legislation.

"Because of this legislation, fewer uninsured will walk through the doors of our country's public hospitals. We will strengthen our case providing fiscal security for these hospitals so that they can be sustainable, as they see some of the poorest patients in the nation.

"In 2008, 30 percent of outpatient and 18 percent of inpatient services went to uninsured patients. Emergency room services for the uninsured cost all of us, all of us, with some estimates in size of $1,000 per year per insured [family of four].

"The mission that the hospitals have, the concern that they have for the American people, the professionalism and the innovation and vision that they have about health care for the future, is a blessing to all of us, serves our situation in our country very well. And I am very honored to be with them today.

"First, you are going to hear from Larry Gage, who is the President of the National Association of Public Hospitals."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House