On the recordMarch 21, 2012
I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 5, legislation to repeal the IPAB and make critical reforms to our medical liability system. The IPAB was created in the health care law as a way to contain growing costs, but the reality is those savings will likely be found by removing health care decisions from patients and doctors and placing them in the hands of unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats. H.R. 5 also addresses the critical issue of medical liability reform. Our current tort system is driving doctors out of the practice of medicine. Those who remain are forced to practice defensive medicine, further increasing health care costs. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that medical-liability reform will save hardworking taxpayers over $40 billion. H.R. 5 makes two commonsense reforms to protect doctors and patients. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
