On Wednesday night I attended the President's address to a Joint Session of Congress. I brought with me a checklist of concerns which came straight from my constituents. The good news is the President mentioned some key ideas that were on my list: Medicare reform, Medical Malpractice reform and Illegal Immigration among them. However, the ideas he mentioned are not in the bill that has come before me in Congress.
Most Americans believe there was a whole lot of fluff, but were left to wonder; where's the beef?
It is easy to talk about a plan that does not exist. I can only assume by his remarks, that in the coming weeks, the President will produce legislation of his own. When he does, I'll be glad to read it. If he makes good on his word and invites House Republicans to the table – something that he has yet to do – I'll be eager to oblige his request. Right now, all I have seen and all I have voted on is H.R. 3200.
H.R. 3200 cuts Medicare benefits by more than $530 billion. It penalizes our small businesses by imposing a tax on 42 percent of their income. It does not include any language which would crack down on medical malpractice. And it most assuredly does not include language which would prohibit illegal immigrants from benefiting as a result of this reform. The Congressional Research Service produced a report which explicitly states, "H.R. 3200 does not contain any restrictions on non-citizens participating in and paying for coverage available through the Exchange—whether the non-citizens are legally or illegally present, or in the United States temporarily or permanently". Republicans from two of the House committees, including the Ways & Means Committee which I currently sit on, offered amendments which would have required applicants for taxpayer-subsidized benefits to verify their citizenship and identity. However, these amendments were struck down by a party line vote.
I agree with my constituents, we need health care reform, but it's going to take more than just words from this President, it's time for him to walk the talk.
Thank you,
