Ralph Hall: “I would start by saying that my speech will probably fall on some closed minds, because many already have your minds…”

“I would start by saying that my speech will probably fall on some closed minds, because many already have your minds made up. Many of you have decided or pledged to take a particular vote, or taken an oath to do it, or been whipped by either the Democrat or Republican Whip. I speak though to those who do not have their feet set in concrete today, I think those that really and truly want the facts about this situation. I did not speak on the rule. As a matter of fact, I voted for the rule. I think it is about as fair a rule as a majority will give a minority, so I had no problem with the rule. The rule was not good, but I think the worst is yet to come, and let me talk about a little of it. It does not please me, by the way, to oppose the likes of the U.S. Chamber and the NFIB. I have had 100 percent with them for years and years, but I differ with them on this because I think they are wrong. I think that ERISA is what this is all about. ERISA is what all these meetings have been about. ERISA is what the insurance companies can hide behind to escape liability, and it is not right, it is not fair, it is not just, and it should have been changed.”