Dave Camp: “I rise in support of H.R. 1. In the last five days, I've heard a lot about what this bill doesn't do. Let me be frank…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 1. In the last five days, I've heard a lot about what this bill doesn't do. Let me be frank: life is not about what we don't do; it's about what we accomplish. And, if I had a friend in need who asked me for $100 and all I had was $20, I wouldn't give him nothing. But that's what some here are prepared to do--turn away a friend in need. For years we have agreed that our seniors needed a prescription drug benefit in Medicare; but unfortunately we have yet to provide them with any relief. This Medicare bill offers a prescription drug benefit through competing private health insurance plans--marking the first time private sector plans and consumer choice would be the principal vehicle for delivering Medicare benefits. It also includes common sense reforms like preventive care and health savings accounts. This is the first step in the direction of true reform. It's a step in the right direction and it is time we take it.”