On the recordMarch 21, 2012
Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 1 minute. I thank the gentleman, who is a physician, for his comments. He said he wants to save Medicare. He said the Republicans want to save Medicare. They want to save Medicare, but their budget proposal would end Medicare. Let's just understand, those who are on Medicare know they can go to the doctor or the hospital or other health care provider and Medicare will pay. Under the Republican proposal, they'd be given a voucher and told to go buy a private insurance policy, as much as they could afford by adding additional money. To save it, they want to end it. And we hear the statement, so-called pain and suffering. For people who are living their lives with constant pain and suffering from a medical malpractice problem, it's not so-called to them. It's a real, terrible situation that they have to live with. I think that, because one of our speakers happens to be a trial lawyer, I want to point out that the past speaker is a medical physician, as if that should make a difference. Let's base our arguments on the points that are made. I, at this point, want to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch), an important Member whom we hope will come back to our committee in the very near future.
