On the recordNovember 12, 2014
Mr. Speaker, in 2009, President-elect Obama wrote a memo that his Presidency will usher in an unprecedented level of openness. But this week, it was revealed that the lead architect for the Affordable Care Act, Jonathan Gruber, capitalized on--his words now-- the stupidity of the American people in passing the health care law. He further went on to say the lack of transparency is a huge political advantage and was critical to passing the law. This insult to the American people is shocking, but it is hardly surprising. In 2011, the Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered evidence of secret meetings at the White House where they were setting the stage for the takeover of America's healthcare. At the time, their work was discounted. Old news, they said. But was it really? The American people sent a message last week, and the message was they are not stupid. This administration, which finds value in opacity while talking transparency, needs to conduct its business in the light of day, exactly as they promised in 2009. ____________________
