Heidi Alexander: “I ask unanimous consent that a copy of my opening statement at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions…”

“I ask unanimous consent that a copy of my opening statement at the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee be printed in the Record. There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows: Access to Care: Health Centers and Providers in Underserved Communities Mr. ALEXANDER. This is the first hearing of the new Congress so let me take a few minutes to talk about what we hope to accomplishment these next two years. Number one, reducing health care costs. And number two, making sure a college degree is worth students' time and money. On health care costs, this Committee has held five hearings on reducing the cost of health care. Testimony from Dr. Brent James, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, said that up to half of health care spending is unnecessary. That startled me and it should startle the American people. That is a massive burden on American families, businesses, and state and federal budgets. I sent a letter to health experts, including the witnesses at our five hearings, asking for specific recommendations to reduce health care costs. I'd like to encourage anyone with a specific recommendation to submit your comment by March 1 to [email protected]. A second priority is updating the Higher Education Act to ensure that the expense of a college education is worth it for students. The last time we seriously addressed higher education was in 2007.…”