Political Quotes

“I had the great privilege of practicing medicine for 20 years in Louisiana. I was a heart surgeon. I did open heart surgery, critical lung surgery, and I took care of many patients during very difficult times in their lives. And I got to see the wonderful innovation in technology that we were able to use to save so many lives during that time. As we face a Sunday vote, here we are Friday night, and I have to say that I am deeply saddened because I really fear what is going to happen to health care in the United States if this bill passes. I have heard from many Americans across the country, given my status as a physician in Congress, many, many Americans from all over the country have contacted me and have basically rejected this bill. They are concerned. They are concerned because they will see their premiums rise. Let me explain. The Senate Democrat bill will increase health insurance premiums for families by up to 13 percent by 2016. What does this mean? For an individual with the lowest cost basic plan, it would cost $300 more in 2016 than if Congress did nothing at all. How about for a family? Families are struggling right now. Well, for a family who got the lowest cost basic plan, it would cost $2,100 more in 2016 than if Congress did nothing at all. Premiums are going to rise. We don't need an expensive bill to start bringing health care premiums down. All it would take is competition and choice, things that Republicans have promoted.”