I would hope that we can empower providers to care for their patients without the government getting in the way or messing things up.

Thank you, Administrator Slavitt, for being here today.

I have asked several questions of the department, of HHS. I spoke and wrote to Secretary Burwell, and actually I am awaiting more answers, certainly more solid answers.

I have followed up numerous times with various obviously questions and just concerns about taxpayer dollars.

We requested a response by October 14th, but have not yet received a response.

I would really appreciate that because it appeared then that Tennessee then requested a suspension of enrollment and that was granted.

I do know that the 96-hour bill is a very bipartisan solution, with some 70 cosponsors, very bipartisan like I said.

I especially want to thank my Representative, Congressman Smith, for introducing the important legislation.

I think we owe our providers a better policy than that out of Washington, D.C., that really entrusts our providers.

There seems to be frustration, in terms of bureaucracy.

I will fight with determination against any and all attempts by the Federal Government to undermine the power of the states to protect employees within our borders and forced union affiliation.