Tim Walberg: “I thank the lead Republican for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 986. I would give its titled…”

“I thank the lead Republican for yielding. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 986. I would give its titled name, but it is yet another misleading effort that has nothing to do with the title of the bill. House Republicans fully support protections--and I will make it clear--for patients with preexisting conditions. I know that my Democratic colleagues and friends want to continue using the mantra that works so well politically without fact, truth, or reality during the election. We have gone beyond that now. Republicans support protections for patients with preexisting conditions. These patients deserve peace of mind and safeguards from being treated unfairly. That has always been a priority of ours, and it will continue to be, but that is not what the bill before us today would do. H.R. 986 can be summed up in 3 words: Washington knows best. The bill eliminates flexibility at the State level, taking away options for States to innovate and bring down healthcare premiums. The high and rising cost of healthcare is a significant concern for patients and families in my district. We need to focus on solutions, not politics. We need to focus on solutions to provide relief from increasing costs, encourage choice and competition, expand access to quality care, and maintain--and I will make it very clear here again-- important protections for patients with preexisting conditions. We have the ideas to do that.…”