Democrats Fight Repeal of Patients’ Rights and Remain Committed to Job Creation,
Fiscal Responsibility
MESSAGE FROM THE Democratic whip
This week, House Republicans voted to repeal patients’ rights and put insurance companies back in control of Americans’ health care. Despite the fact that the health reform law makes health care more accessible and affordable and reduces the deficit, Republicans voted to repeal it. The health reform law frees American families from worry that insurers will cancel or cap their coverage, frees children with disabilities and pregnant women from being discriminated against by their insurers, frees seniors from sky rocketing prescription costs, and frees small businesses to provide coverage to their employees.
Instead of debating a real health care plan, Republicans also passed legislation this week supporting twelve vague health care “goals.” Their resolution, which does not take the necessary steps to ensure the twelve goals will result in legislation, shows a lack of willingness to make the tough decisions necessary to achieve affordable, accessible health care.
Next week, Republicans will bring a "budgetless" resolution to the Floor, a non-substantive bill that breaks their pledge to immediately cut spending by $100 billion. While Democrats are serious about reducing the deficit, the Republicans, in their first two actions in the majority, have voted to allow adding $5 trillion to the deficit, and then to pile $230 billion on the deficit by repealing the health care law. That makes the new Republicans look just like the old Republicans—not taking any action to reduce the deficit or create jobs.
President Obama will deliver his State of the Union address on Tuesday. I expect he will continue to call on members of both parties to work together to solve the problems that confront our country. It is my hope that we can find common ground so that we can create jobs, strengthen the middle class and restore fiscal responsibility.
Sincerely yours,
STENY H. HOYER