On the recordJanuary 19, 2011
As a health care professional for almost 30 years, I actually sat down and read all 2,000 pages of the health care bill. And as I read through the measure, I became increasingly alarmed at the level of control over an individual's health that would be vested in the Federal Government. I've spent my life working with those facing life-altering disabilities and diseases. And I've been quick to point out that while we have the best health system in the world, there must be improvements. That is why I am supporting the repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act--and I believe there are plenty of reasons for my colleagues to join me. The law mandates purchase of a government-defined insurance plan, a mandate that the President opposed on several occasions when running for office. As a result of failing to live up to this promise, the Justice Department is now attempting to defend the mandate on the grounds that it is a tax. According to the nonpartisan Medicare Actuary, because of the law, national spending will increase by more than $310 billion over the first 10 years. The law will not lower health care costs, despite numerous claims that we've heard. According to a Congressional Budget Office analysis, health insurance premiums could rise by an average of $2,100 per family. This increase comes despite promises of lower premiums. Mr. Speaker, if this law remains in place, up to 35 million people could lose health care access.
