Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 3525. Yet again, I fear that this partisan legislation is a missed opportunity to seriously address the humanitarian and security crisis that exists today on our southern border. All of us here today can agree that every human being is worthy of dignity and respect. As a physician, I understand the importance of efficient and compassionate healthcare. At the same time, I understand firsthand how difficult it would be to achieve the requirements that are outlined in this bill. Establishing an electronic health records system in any medical system takes at least a year, in the best case scenario. In the bureaucratic web of the Federal Government, this tedious task becomes nearly impossible. For years, Members of this House have been working to help the Department of Veterans Affairs implement its electronic health records system, yet the VA won't have this completed for another 9 years. Quite frankly, requiring the Department of Homeland Security to implement an interoperable electronic health records system for illegal immigrants in 90 days--it is simply unrealistic. Adding to the problem, this costly project would distract from other pressing needs on the border. Our Customs and Border Protection law enforcement agents are hardworking Americans who have been tasked with an incredibly difficult job.…”