WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Wednesday, voted in support of legislation aimed at providing more affordable and accessible health care for millions of Americans who currently have no health care insurance coverage. The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act, (H.R. 2990), was introduced by U.S. Representatives Jim Talent (R-MO) and John Shadegg (R-AZ) and passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 227-205 on Wednesday, October 6. H.R. 2990 will now be included within a larger bill on managed care reform to be considered by the House of Representatives on Thursday, October 7. Emerson reaffirmed her support for the bill by stating, "The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act combines free market reforms with responsible health care tax provisions to offer more than 44 million uninsured Americans the best patient protection of all -- health care coverage. This legislation will provide greater choice and access to affordable, high quality, private sector health insurance for millions of hard-working families. The Quality Care for the Uninsured Act ensures that the voice of the uninsured is heard and that access to proper health care becomes a reality." Emerson noted that one of the most important elements of H.R. 2990 is the 100% health care tax deduction for small businesses and the self-employed, and she has championed this provision since coming to Congress in 1996. "By giving individuals and employers who pay for their health care coverage out-of-pocket a 100% tax deducation, Congress is encouraging the small business sector and the self-employed to make health care coverage a top priority." Emerson concluded, "By allowing workers in small business and individuals who are self-employed to pool together to allow employees the same purchasing power in the health care arena as big business, Congress is ensuring that America's workers have access to a variety of affordable health care options. The expansion of medical savings accounts, the creation of HealthMarts, and the increased tax relief for small businesses and the self-employed are all necessary steps towards increasing accessibility for the uninsured."