-- satirists could be hauled into court, and even if they prevailed, they could be driven to the poorhouse in defending these kinds of lawsuits. it would be a real threat to free speech. so, and talking with one or two people, and -- including jim moran, we saw a strategic opportunity that was a big risk. the big risk was to play our argument to these justices, the most conservative on the court. the ones who are most hostile to the first amendment, and -- in their decisions. i had heard, just through normal conversation, among lawyers who practice before the court, that both chief justice rehnquist and scalia liked a good laugh. they were both serious students of american history. the idea emerged that our brief should focus on the long tradition and rich tradition an important tradition of political fire -- satire. not only in american history, but in western civilization. our brief consisted of two parts, the pros or narrative part -- the prose or narrative part, that documented the case law we thought supported our position that reverend falwell's claim and the verdict could not stand

dunning statements and saying, we're coming after you financially and we're going to take you into the poorhouse. and so that's why i joined with my colleague in the house, congresswoman caster, and we have a letter signed by half the florida delegation calling on c.m.s. to reject this heinous provision that the state of florida is asking for. and, mr. president, i ask consent that this be inserted in the record. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. nelson: so, it's our duty to ensure that the folks -- our folks, the people in our states have access to care without having to go into debt to obtain that care. and the state of florida is attempting to take that away. and in doing so, it's attempting to wipe out many families' pocketbooks and increase the strain on the health care providers, the doctors, the nurses, the hospitals, and all florida taxpayers who ultimately on uncompensated care are the ones who pick up the bill. the state of florida claims that this proposal will, quote, enhance fiscal predictability, end of quote. that begs the question -- for whom? if the state repeally wa