On the recordFebruary 1, 2012
I also want to rise in strong support of repealing this misguided CLASS Act. We knew from the start that the CLASS Act was fiscally unsustainable. But the President and those who supported the new health care law used this and inserted it as a budget gimmick to help pass the law. This new program was an illusion, an illusion that was crafted so government would start collecting funds long before it would pay anything out, making it seem as if it would raise revenue and save money. But in the long run it was obvious and it was clear the program would have disastrous effects. The CMS Chief Actuary himself said that if implemented, the program would collapse. And after months of failed attempts, even the administration has finally admitted that the program was unworkable. Madam Chair, Minnesota families and small businesses are tired of the smoke and mirrors coming out of Washington. Let's do the right thing today and repeal this terrible program, and let's focus on what's really important: putting Americans back to work. I want to thank my colleague on the Ways and Means Committee from Louisiana. He's a doctor, he's a physician, he's a leader in health care. Let's do the right thing and repeal this legislation.
