Louie Gohmert: “This has been an interesting week for a number of reasons. I would like to call to attention a letter that was written…”

“This has been an interesting week for a number of reasons. I would like to call to attention a letter that was written by Chairman Darrell Issa, my friend from California, to Secretary Kathleen Sebelius at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week. The first paragraph, after saying, ``Dear Madam Secretary'' says: The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating the insurance exchange application, online at www.healthcare.gov, established by the Department of Health and Human Services. As part of this investigation, we are writing to request information related to voter registration data collected during the application process. On further down, the letter says: While HHS and its contractors continue to struggle with the task of processing applications for health insurance coverage, the agency uses the Web site to collect voter registration information. Once an applicant completes the online application for health care coverage, a dialogue box appears asking, ``Would you like to register to vote?'' In light of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, also known as the Motor Voter Act, which requires any agency that provides public assistance to provide individuals with an opportunity to register to vote, the Department decided to include the voter registration option on the health care application.…”