I have to confess a certain feeling of ‘déjà vu all over again’ as we prepare to vote on yet another budget reconciliation bill that vastly expands the reach of government. Last week, we approved a plan that sets up the federal government to take control of our health care system. This morning, we’ll be voting on a bill that will put the federal government in complete control of student lending. W... Read more »
I appreciate the opportunity to speak, but I regret that my comments will be in opposition to the bill before us. I was named Ranking Member on the Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, and Competitiveness Subcommittee earlier this year with great excitement. After all, workforce development and higher education were key priorities for me as a State Senator, and I was anxious to get to work on bipa... Read more »
Today, this Committee will begin consideration of legislation that would completely overhaul the current health care system in this country. I know that many of my constituents are struggling to keep up with the rising cost of their health care premiums, while others are simply unable to afford health care coverage. Many people in my state have lost their jobs and fear that they won't be able to a... Read more »
Let me begin by saying that I do not believe that maintaining the status quo in our health care system is an option. We need to reform our health care system to greatly increase access, accountability, choice, and savings to consumers. The House Republican Health Care Solutions group has been working on these goals and stands ready to offer an alternative that will accomplish all of these goals wi... Read more »
I came to Congress at the beginning of this year to try to make our country better and to address many of the challenges that Kentucky families are facing. Our current health care system is a challenge to many families in my district and across America – whether it is paying for visits to the doctor or gaining access to care. I agree that our system is in need of reform, but I am sad to say that t... Read more »
Let me begin by saying that health care reform is a bipartisan cause. It would be hard to find any individual on either side of the aisle that would say the status quo of our health care system is acceptable or desirable. We all share an urgency and commitment to reforming our health care system. Where we differ is in how we as a nation should go about enacting reforms that will make health care a... Read more »
Over the next two days, our committee will be marking up the “America’s Affordable Health Choices Act.” As we consider health care reform, let me begin by stating that most of us readily agree that reining in health care costs and expanding access to the health care system for all Americans must be top considerations when discussing any proposed reforms. However, we must also abide by the physicia... Read more »
I left the practice of medicine – I left caring for patients after over twenty years – for precisely this moment in public policy. I cared for literally thousands of patients as an orthopaedic surgeon, each and every one of them a privilege. The actions being taken here and in two other House Committees are part of an attempt to fundamentally alter our health care financing and delivery structure.... Read more »
Thank you Chairman Miller. I appreciate the opportunity to speak, but I want to be clear that I wish we were here today under different circumstances. Approximately 24 hours ago, we first laid our hands on this 1,018 page monstrosity that has the potential to upend our entire health care system. I’ve done my best, as have other Members on this side of the aisle, to examine the bill and understand ... Read more »
Today we are here to discuss the safety of our nation’s schools, with particular regard to bullying. While the issue of bullying is nothing new, its ever-changing face has unfortunately kept it prevalent in our nation’s schools. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, between fifteen and twenty-five percent of United States students admitted to being bullied “someti... Read more »
