Political Quotes

“But there is really a more pressing issue out there, and that is the effect of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 on health care providers. My colleague, the gentleman from Chicago, Illinois (Mr. Davis), and I had a hearing in Chicago on August 28 in which we had providers come testify about the impact of the Balanced Budget Act. And they are serious and they are important. They are so important that we have come down to the floor to just start the drumbeat of noise so that before we end this legislative session we have some assistance and aid to our health care providers who are really working in the field to address some of the funding shortfalls. The Balanced Budget Act was passed in order to reduce the deficit and balance our Nation's budget and control health care entitlement spending. I am proud to say that that goal was accomplished but with some unintended consequences, as so happens in legislation.”