Frank Pallone

At this time, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Vermont (Mr. Welch).

The Republicans claim that the ACA risk corridors are not just bad policy; they say they are illegal.

I think this Republican bailout argument is just flat wrong, and it is a waste of this committee's time.

The Congressional Budget Office and the experience of Part D show just how silly the claims are.

It just bothers me that any time anything that is part of the ACA, no matter how normal it is, it just becomes controversial in an effort by the Republicans to destroy the ACA.

If Republicans had their way, they would repeal this program and would effectively create chaos in the marketplace.

Trust me, no Democrat is interested in bailing out the insurance company.

Today's hearing is nothing more than another episode in a series of Republican attacks on the Affordable Care Act.

I do want to object to the fact that we are proceeding to mark up that bill in full committee without regular order.

Mr. Pallone. Mr. Chairman, the problem that I have is that my understanding is that Chairman Issa hasn't made these reports public.

The ACA is the law of the land, and this should not be a controversial program.

The driving principle behind the risk corridor bills we are considering today is that they will cost taxpayers more or cost taxpayers money.

These millions of people aren't just a number. They are actual people who can now see a doctor.

Mr. Pallone. No. We are objecting until we have seen it, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Pallone. Oh, why don't you just--we will reserve our objection until we see it.

If Republicans had their way, we would go back to the days when insurance companies could drop someone for a preexisting condition.

It is incumbent upon Medicare to be very diligent in its coverage decisions.

Today's hearing is a broader effort to better understand how data collection and the exchange of patient information can be improved to help facilitate 21st Century Cures.

We all want the best cutting edge medicines and treatments to get to the patients who need them.

Now, I am familiar with registries from the law creating the 9/11 Health Program.

I think the steps that CMS and the other Federal agencies have taken in this area are really important.

Reading the testimony today, I was impressed by how much progress we are making towards a more technologically advanced health care system.

We are here today to discuss the ways in which promising new technologies may be harnessed by the healthcare industry to provide better quality care, inform healthcare research, and empower Americans to better maintain their own health.

These technologies may not just improve patient outcomes, but also have the potential to bring down the cost of care for everyday Americans and for the Nation.

I am just so frustrated by the fact that the Republicans are ignoring all this in order to score political points.