Political Quotes

“in my tenure in Congress, I have been dedicated to reforming many aspects of the health care system to promote the highest quality health care benefiting the greatest number of Americans. Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that the HEALTH Act would contribute to this goal. This legislation blatantly advances the political agenda of the insurance companies. It does nothing to address the looming health care crisis we face where over 40 million Americans are without health insurance, access to quality care, or an ability to afford even basic screenings and medicines. This legislation would place a $250,000 limit on non-economic damages in malpractice suites brought against medical professionals. I cannot support limiting non-economic damages awards because I do not believe we have the authority to place an arbitrary dollar amount on the value of a person's health or life. These payments compensate patients for very egregious injuries, such as the loss of a limb, vision impairment, and infertility. The loss of a child or spouse can also fall under the limiting category of non-economic damages. These damages are so wide and varying that a one-size-fits-all approach just will not suffice. Further, limiting payments would disproportionately affect women, children, the elderly, the disabled and others that may have endured indescribable suffering, yet cannot claim a loss of wages or salary.”