On the recordMarch 12, 2010
I appreciate the comments of the gentlelady, Ms. Foxx. They were really on target. Thank you so much. When she mentions banana republics, I actually had the experience in 1973 of being an exchange student to the Soviet Union for a summer, and I got to see firsthand how the former Soviet Union operated before, of course, it went broke. It couldn't borrow enough money. It couldn't print enough money, so it went broke. {time} 1315 In looking at the President's comment in his speech on March 3 of this year, it was after the so-called health care summit, and I am quoting: ``My proposal would give uninsured individuals and small business owners the same kind of choice of private health insurance that Members of Congress get for themselves, because if it is good enough for Members of Congress, it is good enough for the people who pay their salaries.'' And there was applause on that. But apparently he hasn't read the bill that was passed in the House that he is trying to join and mesh up in his so-called proposal. This is in the first volume. Let me get over here to that, the benefit package levels. It says, ``The commissioner,'' this is another czar- type person he will appoint, ``shall specify benefits to be made available under the exchange participating health benefit plans.'' Then subparagraph B, ``Limitation on health benefit plans offered by offering entities.'' I haven't seen anything in the President's proposal that changes this.…





