Political Quotes

Jeb Hensarling: “I have seen a lot of cancer in the families of friends, something I take very, very seriously. And to think that now we…”

On the recordOctober 30, 2007
I have seen a lot of cancer in the families of friends, something I take very, very seriously. And to think that now we are going to have a health insurance program ostensibly counting on 22 million more Americans to take up smoking is frankly beyond insulting. It is beyond ludicrous. For the life of me I cannot fathom why any type of system would be created, and then as an irony, and I make this point as an aside, the tax would go mainly to those who are making less than 200 percent of poverty level, the same people that ostensibly this program is due to help. Fifty-four percent of all smokers are in families making less than $42,000 a year.
Said by
Jeb Hensarling
Republican · Texas

Editor's note · Context

Discussing the implications of a health insurance program related to smoking and its impact on low-income families.

Share

More from Jeb Hensarling

Oct 5, 2026

Texas has been a great place to do business for decades, but increasingly it's a great place to headquarter your business.

foxnews.com
Nov 13, 2018

As we saw in the last crisis, it is the average hardworking Americans that will suffer the consequences if Washington deregulates Wall Street mega banks again.

congress.gov
Oct 5, 2026

As New York is increasingly shoving capital out, Texas is saying, 'You're welcome here.

foxnews.com
Dec 10, 2018

So if that is permitted right now then I am going to raise my hand at the board meeting when the senior vice president for credit administration comes in with this big gobbledygook proposal and says, 'Hey, I like it. That is fascinating…

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation