Political Quotes

“Health care reform is needed. More than 36 million American citizens do not have health insurance, and millions more are underinsured and cannot afford to pay for the medical care they need. Those who have health insurance are finding that health care costs and health insurance premiums are rapidly rising. In fact, health insurance premiums are increasing 3.5 times faster than the rate of increase in family incomes. This status quo is unsustainable, and finding a way for everyone to afford health insurance is necessary to benefit both the uninsured and those who have insurance. It is also essential that health insurance reform control health care costs and prevent rapid increases in health insurance premiums. But reform legislation must also ensure that the residents of my district in Southwest Virginia continue to have access to the high quality health care services that are now delivered locally. After reading and carefully reviewing the legislation, I oppose passage of the health care measure before the House today. My concern largely centers on the dramatic reductions in Medicare funding required by the legislation.”