Political Quotes

“I want Members on both sides of the aisle to be aware of three unanswered questions about H.R. 5. First, if the authors of this bill are sure that it will reduce and stabilize medical malpractice premiums, why are insurers accountable for producing that result? During the medical malpractice debate in Ohio, insurers said they do not know whether premiums would come down. During a recent hearing in Pennsylvania, the actuary witness said he could not say whether premiums would come down. Even Sherman Joyce, President of the American Tort Reform Association said, "We cannot tell you or anyone that the reason to pass tort reform would be to reduce insurance rates." We are voting on a bill that overrides State law and undercuts compensation for victims of medical malpractice, yet we do not know whether medical malpractice premiums will come down. California passed tort reform in 1975. Medical malpractice premiums continued to go up. Not until California 13 years later demanded a reduction in premiums with insurance reform did the situation improve. Yet insurers have zero, no obligation under this bill. We are supposed to take it on faith and trust the insurance companies that they will pass along the savings. Apparently we cannot trust patients, cannot trust juries, cannot trust lawyers, but we can trust the insurance industry.”