On the recordFebruary 18, 2011
I appreciate that. My friends on the other side of the aisle talk about the need for listening to the American public. Well, I have been back home in my district meeting with providers, people in the insurance industry, hospitals, nurses, doctors and they are dealing with this plan moving forward. Many are excited about the opportunities to take advantage of it. The protections that are under way in the law right now are popular with the public because they are important to the public. My friends talk about listening to the American citizens. The Associated Press pointed out in a poll last month that the overwhelming majority opposed the notion of trying to defund health care. In fact, in that same poll, 43 percent thought the protection should be expanded. We are in a situation now where we can make a profound difference in improving the quality of health care in this country while we reduce deficits. Putting sand in the health care gears, arguing, trying to create confusion is not moving us forward. Work with our hospitals, work with our doctors, work with our citizens. Make health reform work for America.
