This was an interesting poll published by USAToday this morning. It clearly shows that the American think this health care legislation costs too much, increases the size of government and ignores the rising costs of health care.
“Based on what you know or have read about the healthcare legislation Congress passed this past week, do you, personally, think each of the following applies or does not apply to that legislation?”
It will expand the government’s role in the healthcare system too much
65% Yes, applies
33% No, does not apply
2% No opinion
It will cost the government too much
64% Yes, applies
33% No, does not apply
3% No opinion
It does not do enough to deal with rising health care costs
58% Yes, applies
36% No, does not apply
6% No opinion
USA Today/Gallup; conducted March 26-28, 2010; Survey of 1,033 Adults Nationwide
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Health Care Going Forward
On Tuesday, March 30, President Obama will sign the last piece of the new health care legislation into law.
Throughout the health care debate, I have maintained that improvements should be made to the existing health care system, but this trillion dollar government takeover of one sixth of the economy is not the right answer. When the federal government is borrowing 41 cents for every dollar it spends, we cannot afford the $1.2 trillion cost of this new health care law. When unemployment is near 10 percent, the uncertainty of new taxes and mandates from this law will discourage employers from creating new jobs. Continuing to go down this path of expanding entitlement and dependence on the government simply will not work.
The law contains the first ever federal mandate to require individuals to purchase health insurance and requires unprecedented levels of government approval for the insurance plans that Americans will be allowed to choose from. More government involvement will add further inefficiencies and costs to the system that will be paid for by consumers in the form of higher taxes and insurance premiums. Further, the new law reduces Medicare by more than $500 billion. Rather than use funds within Medicare, which is already going broke, these funds will be directed toward covering other costs of this new law.
This is a very complex law, and it will take a number of years to be fully implemented. In fact, many provisions do not become effective until 2014 and later. Click here for a timeline with further details about the new law and when key provisions will take effect.
The American people voiced their objections to this law loud and clear, but the Congressional Leadership did not listen to them. Even though this legislation may be law, please be assured I will continue to work for repeal of this bill and replacement of these flawed policies with real reform that provides more affordable solutions to improve health care access and costs.
Throughout the health care debate, I have maintained that improvements should be made to the existing health care system, but this trillion dollar government takeover of one sixth of the economy is not the right answer. When the federal government is borrowing 41 cents for every dollar it spends, we cannot afford the $1.2 trillion cost of this new health care law. When unemployment is near 10 percent, the uncertainty of new taxes and mandates from this law will discourage employers from creating new jobs. Continuing to go down this path of expanding entitlement and dependence on the government simply will not work.
The law contains the first ever federal mandate to require individuals to purchase health insurance and requires unprecedented levels of government approval for the insurance plans that Americans will be allowed to choose from. More government involvement will add further inefficiencies and costs to the system that will be paid for by consumers in the form of higher taxes and insurance premiums. Further, the new law reduces Medicare by more than $500 billion. Rather than use funds within Medicare, which is already going broke, these funds will be directed toward covering other costs of this new law.
This is a very complex law, and it will take a number of years to be fully implemented. In fact, many provisions do not become effective until 2014 and later. Click here for a timeline with further details about the new law and when key provisions will take effect.
The American people voiced their objections to this law loud and clear, but the Congressional Leadership did not listen to them. Even though this legislation may be law, please be assured I will continue to work for repeal of this bill and replacement of these flawed policies with real reform that provides more affordable solutions to improve health care access and costs.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
March is Women's History Month
March is a busy month in Congress, but we can’t forget to honor the women who have been influential in our lives and communities. During Women’s History Month, we recognize and celebrate the many achievements of women. It’s important that we take this time to remember the great contributions of women to this great nation. From Betsy Ross and the American flag and Susan B. Anthony in the fight for women’s voting rights to Rosa Parks and her bus ride for civil rights, women have made an impact on every facet of our nation’s past, present and future.
I encourage you to take this opportunity to thank the important women in your life for all they do, not just this month, but every month out of the year. To learn more about Women’s History Month, visit the Library of Congress website.
I encourage you to take this opportunity to thank the important women in your life for all they do, not just this month, but every month out of the year. To learn more about Women’s History Month, visit the Library of Congress website.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
We Must Reform the Way Congress Spends Taxpayer Dollars
Congress’ ability to control spending is broken, as evidenced by the $1.4 trillion deficit in 2009 and projections for more of the same this year. Not only are we spending taxpayers’ dollars irresponsibly, but we are spending money we don’t have. The American people have lost confidence in Congress’ ability to spend their dollars responsibly.
Today’s vote by House Republicans to halt earmarks for this year is a step in the right direction when it comes to reforming the way Congress spends the taxpayers’ money. Certainly not all earmarks are “bridges to nowhere,” and many Members put forth quality requests vetted in a transparent process, but the waste and abuse of other earmarks have become symbols of why reform is needed and why trust in the system has broken down.
The American people are tightening their belts and Congress must do the same, but our moratorium is not going to save the taxpayers any money unless Congress also reduces the overall budget and total spending.
As Congress works on a budget outline for the year, we must take concrete actions to reduce the out of control spending and borrowing. The budget proposal President Obama sent us, which includes a record $3.8 trillion in spending and doubles the national debt over five years, is simply a non-starter.
The Constitution empowers Congress with the authority to decide how taxpayers’ dollars are spent, and I continue to believe this is an important role of Congress. However, if Congress is going to regain the confidence of the American people, we must reform not only the process for requesting earmarks, but the entire budget process. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on our ability to control spending and the growth of the national debt now.
Today’s vote by House Republicans to halt earmarks for this year is a step in the right direction when it comes to reforming the way Congress spends the taxpayers’ money. Certainly not all earmarks are “bridges to nowhere,” and many Members put forth quality requests vetted in a transparent process, but the waste and abuse of other earmarks have become symbols of why reform is needed and why trust in the system has broken down.
The American people are tightening their belts and Congress must do the same, but our moratorium is not going to save the taxpayers any money unless Congress also reduces the overall budget and total spending.
As Congress works on a budget outline for the year, we must take concrete actions to reduce the out of control spending and borrowing. The budget proposal President Obama sent us, which includes a record $3.8 trillion in spending and doubles the national debt over five years, is simply a non-starter.
The Constitution empowers Congress with the authority to decide how taxpayers’ dollars are spent, and I continue to believe this is an important role of Congress. However, if Congress is going to regain the confidence of the American people, we must reform not only the process for requesting earmarks, but the entire budget process. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on our ability to control spending and the growth of the national debt now.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
We Will Continue the Fight in Afghanistan
Today, the House of Representatives debated H. Con Res. 248, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, calling for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan within the next 30 days. While there are some who continue to oppose our commitment to this region, debating a non-binding resolution that the Commander-in-Chief would not sign does nothing to help support our troops. While millions of Americans are unemployed and we are facing sky-rocketing deficit levels, Mr. Kucinich's resolution resulted in 3 hours of debate talking about a resolution that would undermine our mission in Afghanistan. Even Rep. Ike Skelton (D-Mo.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, agrees that we should not prematurely withdraw troops from Iraq. I am pleased the House rejected this resolution by an overwhelming margin. Like every Member of Congress, I want our troops home as soon as possible, but without successfully completing our mission, we're faced with the inevitability of returning to finish what we started.
After months of deliberation the President finally chose to take decisive action in pursing a broad counterinsurgency strategy to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaeda in December. I was glad to see that. The longer we waited to take action, the stronger a foothold al-Qaeda and the Taliban threaten to gain in Afghanistan. National security is one of the most critical issues facing our nation, and the War on Terror is not yet over. When we entered this war, we knew that it would be not be easy or quick. If we want to prevent another attack on American soil, we cannot leave this job undone.
The mission of rooting out al-Qaeda and preventing a Taliban takeover is achievable, but only if we provide our commanders and troops the resources they need to clear, hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. One of these resources is time. We must reaffirm our commitment to Afghanistan. The real path to victory requires a reliable partner in the Afghan government. Success will be defined as a stable country that denies the Taliban and al-Qaeda a safe haven to launch attacks against the Afghan people, Afghanistan’s neighbors, or the United States and its allies. May God bless our troops and the Afghan people as we work towards victory in Afghanistan.
After months of deliberation the President finally chose to take decisive action in pursing a broad counterinsurgency strategy to defeat the Taliban and al-Qaeda in December. I was glad to see that. The longer we waited to take action, the stronger a foothold al-Qaeda and the Taliban threaten to gain in Afghanistan. National security is one of the most critical issues facing our nation, and the War on Terror is not yet over. When we entered this war, we knew that it would be not be easy or quick. If we want to prevent another attack on American soil, we cannot leave this job undone.
The mission of rooting out al-Qaeda and preventing a Taliban takeover is achievable, but only if we provide our commanders and troops the resources they need to clear, hold and bring stability and security to Afghanistan. One of these resources is time. We must reaffirm our commitment to Afghanistan. The real path to victory requires a reliable partner in the Afghan government. Success will be defined as a stable country that denies the Taliban and al-Qaeda a safe haven to launch attacks against the Afghan people, Afghanistan’s neighbors, or the United States and its allies. May God bless our troops and the Afghan people as we work towards victory in Afghanistan.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
EPA’s Backdoor National Energy Tax
Late last year, the Environmental Protection Agency signed an “endangerment finding” stating that greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, “threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.” Now the EPA is trying to regulate emissions and put new energy taxes in place. These regulations are premised on the EPA’s recent endangerment finding that would make carbon dioxide – something that is necessary to sustain life on earth – a regulated pollutant under the Clean Air Act.
I oppose any effort to implement the EPA’s job killing regulations. Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) introduced a Resolution of Disapproval, H. J. Res. 77, on the Environmental Protection Agency’s job-killing scheme to regulate carbon dioxide. I fully support this resolution and am proud to be an original cosponsor.
The EPA’s endangerment finding is a backdoor attempt to institute a national energy tax that will cap our economy and trade our jobs away. The EPA’s actions, rushed by the Obama Administration, represent a clear and present danger to our economy. For the sake of every Texan, small business owner or farmer who drives a car, flips on a light switch, or buys products made in the United States, Congress must pass this resolution in order to shut down the EPA’s efforts now. Shouldn’t decisions that will so greatly affect the livelihood of thousands of American workers be made by the representatives they elected, not the Administration?
There is a better way to clean up the environment and seek better sources of energy, without introducing a national energy tax. The American Energy Act, H.R. 2846, is an all-of-the-above plan that would provide energy independence, more jobs here at home and a cleaner environment at the same time.
We cannot afford to make ourselves uncompetitive in the global economy. An out of control, activist EPA permitting processes and extensive regulatory regime will cost billions of dollars to implement and could potentially affect millions of small emitters such as hotels, hospitals, churches, farms, and various small businesses. The rules will inject uncertainty into the economy, delay or halt new construction, and deter investment. The people of the 19th Congressional don’t want this policy and neither do I, which is why I will continue to oppose any effort to implement the EPA’s job-killing regulations.
I oppose any effort to implement the EPA’s job killing regulations. Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) introduced a Resolution of Disapproval, H. J. Res. 77, on the Environmental Protection Agency’s job-killing scheme to regulate carbon dioxide. I fully support this resolution and am proud to be an original cosponsor.
The EPA’s endangerment finding is a backdoor attempt to institute a national energy tax that will cap our economy and trade our jobs away. The EPA’s actions, rushed by the Obama Administration, represent a clear and present danger to our economy. For the sake of every Texan, small business owner or farmer who drives a car, flips on a light switch, or buys products made in the United States, Congress must pass this resolution in order to shut down the EPA’s efforts now. Shouldn’t decisions that will so greatly affect the livelihood of thousands of American workers be made by the representatives they elected, not the Administration?
There is a better way to clean up the environment and seek better sources of energy, without introducing a national energy tax. The American Energy Act, H.R. 2846, is an all-of-the-above plan that would provide energy independence, more jobs here at home and a cleaner environment at the same time.
We cannot afford to make ourselves uncompetitive in the global economy. An out of control, activist EPA permitting processes and extensive regulatory regime will cost billions of dollars to implement and could potentially affect millions of small emitters such as hotels, hospitals, churches, farms, and various small businesses. The rules will inject uncertainty into the economy, delay or halt new construction, and deter investment. The people of the 19th Congressional don’t want this policy and neither do I, which is why I will continue to oppose any effort to implement the EPA’s job-killing regulations.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Read Across America Day
Today we celebrate the 13th annual Read Across America Day, and honor the memory of Theodor Geisel – or “Dr. Seuss.” No one has encouraged children to discover the joy of reading more than Dr. Seuss’ books. In fact, one in four children receive Dr. Seuss as their first book.
Families are busy today, rushing from work to school to sporting events, with little time to breathe in between. It is easy, in these times that we find ourselves in, to forget the importance of family time. I encourage you to take a moment to read with your children for 30 minutes today and every day. It’s hard to imagine how powerful the simple act of reading can be and the many lessons children can learn from books. Reading is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your children and continue to grow their minds. The time I spend reading with my grandchildren is priceless. I hope you will join me today, no matter your age, in picking up a good book and reading with others across America.
Families are busy today, rushing from work to school to sporting events, with little time to breathe in between. It is easy, in these times that we find ourselves in, to forget the importance of family time. I encourage you to take a moment to read with your children for 30 minutes today and every day. It’s hard to imagine how powerful the simple act of reading can be and the many lessons children can learn from books. Reading is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your children and continue to grow their minds. The time I spend reading with my grandchildren is priceless. I hope you will join me today, no matter your age, in picking up a good book and reading with others across America.
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