On the recordJanuary 18, 2011
I rise today to state my strong opposition to the repealing of the Affordable Care Act. Repealing this law will eliminate consumer protections, raise taxes on small business, explode the deficit, and put insurance company CEOs directly between Americans and their doctor. I'm very proud to represent the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They're a symbol of what we can achieve when we deliver the world's highest quality care at the most efficient and effective costs. When we passed this law last year, they said it was a good first step. And I agree. Now is not the time to step backwards. Folks in my district are already seeing the benefits of this new law. Seniors have received help paying for their expensive prescription drugs and have better access to preventative care saving money. And just a few weeks ago, I received a letter from a dad in my district named Paul. Paul's son Joe is 21, works part-time and has diabetes. Joe couldn't get the insurance he needed to pay for the expensive equipment and treatment he needs to stay healthy and alive. Paul wrote to say thank you for passing the Affordable Care Act. Because of the new law, Joe got back on his parents' insurance, and a new insurance card came in the mail on January 3. A vote to repeal this legislation pulls that card away.
