In fact, this law requires that the three of us and all 435 Members of Congress and 100 Members of the Senate will get the exact same kind of insurance that every American gets. We don't get a special deal. In fact, we get to pay for part of it ourselves. That is a fact. So what about those people that are out there uninsured that get sick. We get to pay for it through our health insurance policies because that cost is shifted over to us, the taxpayer. There is no free lunch here. The question we have is should everybody participate in this insurance pool. I think it is only fair to say that we all participate.
On the recordJanuary 18, 2011
Source
govinfo.govEditor's note · Context
Garamendi discusses health insurance coverage and the responsibilities of Congress members regarding insurance.
Share
More from John Garamendi
Jun 6, 2026
"Despite these successes, they cannot overcome the fundamental flaws in this legislation. The bill that passed is a loss for the country."
Jun 18, 2026
This is unacceptable. Before you spend one more taxpayer dollar on Golden Dome, DOD must share its plans and goals for the system.
Jun 20, 2026
Simply put, there is no way that a Golden Dome system that costs $185 billion could possibly live up to the promise of 'forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland.'
Jun 10, 2026
The bottom line is my Democratic colleagues and I think about and fight every day to lower costs for all Americans, not just January 6th rioters or billionaires.





