Chapter 20
The Christmas holidays came and went along with New Year's Eve. Kelsey and Toby spent a quiet New Year's at her house with Anne ringing in the New Year together. Now, it was the
second week of January and it was time to get back to work. First up was the signing of Bill 478, the bill that Kelsey had testified before the House committee. She was thoroughly excited
about the signing and had even convinced Anne to attend.
The day of the Bill Signing dawned bright. It was actually a fairly warm day and the snow was beginning to melt. Kelsey, Anne, some of the staff, reporters and other dignitaries gathered in
the East Room to await the arrival of the President.
They watched in awe as Bartlet signed into law a provision that allowed caretakers of terminally ill patients to deduct expenses not covered by medical insurance. At the reception afterwards,
the President presented both Kelsey and Anne with pens he used to the sign the bill with. Then he stepped up to the microphone to make his remarks.
"Good afternoon. Today is a historic day. For decades, the families of terminally ill patients have had to worry about how they could afford to take care of their loved ones. What to do if
they did not have medical insurance or if the insurance wouldn't cover certain costs. Many families have gone into debt trying to care for their family members. So, it is with great pride that I
signed Bill 478 into law today. "
"On a personal note, my Deputy Press Secretary, Kelsey Saufl, is the person most responsible for getting this piece of legislation passed. It is her commitment to this cause that made all of us
stand up and take notice. Kelsey, I salute you and thank you for your determination. I also want to mention Kelsey's mother, Anne Saufl. Anne is someone whose courage has given us the
strength to push this legislation through. Thank you, Anne."