Barbara Boxer: “My colleague keeps reiterating, as do my other colleagues on the other side, that this is about Federal funds and people…”

“My colleague keeps reiterating, as do my other colleagues on the other side, that this is about Federal funds and people oppose spending Federal funds. Would my friend support an amendment that said that women Federal employees who do, in fact, exercise their right to choose and use their insurance could be reimbursed for the portion of the premium which they paid themselves which, in this case, is about 28 percent? Would my colleague work with me on such an approach so at least they can get reimbursed for the portion of their share of the premium? The bottom line is, in fact, you can buy riders, you can, in fact, buy separate policies. All we are saying is, when the latest study shows 74 percent of the premiums are paid by other taxpayers, it is a legitimate issue.”