On the recordMarch 21, 2012
Remember, the elements in the health care reform, when you unwind them, virtually without exception, have their roots in a bipartisan consensus of what needs to happen to make our health care system more efficient. Many of these pilot projects, these demonstrations have actually already been at work in States across the country, including some that have Republican Governors. We're doing some of it in the State of Oregon. It has the dreaded mandate, which was a Republican think tank option that was an alternative to HillaryCare 20 years ago, and, in fact, was put in place by Governor Romney, who is going to be, by all accounts, the Republican standard bearer for President. This is an example of Congress at its worst, making up a problem, attacking something that would help us do our job better. They are trying to demonize it in a way that you could do with virtually any other board or commission, ignoring the safeguards, ignoring the fact that the statute says specifically that it shall not ration. Instead, they are willing to allow insurance companies to ration and ignore the need for reform. I strongly urge rejection of this misguided proposal. Let's get back to work. Let's do our job. It will never come into play if Congress does its job, and Congress will always have the last say.
