Now, no one is going to say this has been a perfect bill. But it is a start--and hopefully improve upon it as we go forward.

The American health care system, its attendant inefficiencies, and the debilitating effect it had on American competiveness required this Congress to act in the 111th Session by enacting law that would expand the risk pool, contain costs…

I think you empower the very people you didn't want to, which are the lobbyists, because they are going to come to me and say, 'Look, I have got the greatest knee replacement,' or, 'I have got the greatest procedure,' or whatever.

I just wanted to use this opportunity to suggest to my colleagues, who want to dramatically change the Affordable Care Act or perhaps dismantle it, that this--these hearings are also a good opportunity to look forward.

I will have fewer employees.

According to CBO analysis, individual health insurance payments will rise by an average of $2,100 per family.

I'd like to thank Chairman Kline, Ranking Member Miller and members of the Committee for the opportunity to speak this morning on the effects of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on the economy, employers and the workforce.

It has been my understanding, my belief, having listened to many economists, many witnesses that it does not reduce costs.

One of the things you could do to make health insurance much cheaper--one of the years for me was letting me as an individual deduct my premium, just like a business does.

I would also take issue with the idea that the SGR is something that could be left out of health care reform. It is the most critical--as you put it, the most critical aspect of health care is getting to see a doctor.

I think one of the things that disturbs me about this is when government decides what I as an individual need as health insurance, what--and I can't make that decision for myself, my family or my business.

But to say we should repeal and stop and don't do anything, in my opinion, is the wrong way to go.