On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
It's really quite amazing, Mr. Chairman, the alternative reality that has been created on the Republican side. They never liked the health care bill--I think people know that already--but it is the law of the land. They tried to repeal it. They haven't been able to do it. But the health care bill passed. Under the laws of the United States, people have certain rights under this legislation. For example, insurers cannot drop people's coverage when they get sick. Seniors are saving money on prescription drugs. Young adults to 26 are getting back on their parents' insurance, and small businesses are receiving billions of dollars in tax credits to provide health care coverage. The Republicans said they like all of that. They like that. When they give us a bill, they're going to have all that in it. Meanwhile, they want to stop those things from happening under the existing law. Defunding amendments will end these benefits, putting health insurance companies back in charge of Americans' health care. We should realize, when we have a law, it should be implemented in a reasonable, responsive and efficient manner. States want it. Insurers want it. Businesses want it. Health care providers want it. Trying to starve a program so we cannot implement it in a reasonable manner is irresponsible.
