Speech #1020145056

However. the financial viability of trauma centers is under tremendous strain. My legislation is but one response to the plea for Federal assistance from various hospitals and trauma care centers throughout the country. While undocumented aliens are not the sole reason for the untimely closing and financing problems facing many of our Nations trauma care centers. this segment of our population receives approximately 18 percent of our Nations uncompensated emergency care. In September 1987. the GAO Issued a report stating that: [Flor many years undocumented aliens have also boon a cause for public concern both because they are violating the law and because or the social problems believed to be associated with their presence. I am pleased that the Committee on Energy and Commerce found that there is a proper role for the Federal Government to assist State and local governments with the costs of providing uncompensated trauma care to undocumented aliens. The costs of providing emergency medical services to undocumented aliens are increasing the already heavy burden shouldered by county taxpayers. Cities such as San Diego. Los Angeles.