A press release issued today by Third District candidate Robin Smith attacked the healthcare reform bill proposed by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
With the release of her plan, Speaker Pelosi drew a clear bright line between the liberal leadership of the House and the American people. Time and again during the August recess, Americans asked representatives of both parties to focus on solutions in health care that will lower costs, increase access, limit the damage of frivolous lawsuits and do no more harm to the exploding federal deficit. We asked the leadership to look for solutions that will not turn over 1/6th of the economy to government bureaucrats and force a government-run “public option” on the American people.
Today, Speaker Pelosi delivered her 1,900 page answer.
I am disappointed that calls for common sense reform have been ignored in the House bill. It’s clear the liberals in Congress have no interest in listening to the voices of Americans on this issue. In Tennessee I have called for the expansion of Health Savings Accounts, new methods of utilizing health department clinics and regional buying groups that will allow small businesses the opportunity to join together and increase their purchasing power. I have been clear that we must have frivolous lawsuit reform to keep attorneys out of exam rooms. I have called for Members of Congress to stand first in line to place themselves, their families and their staff members under any government run plan they approve. “Opting-Out” should not apply to Congressional elites who want to keep their private plans.
By contrast, Paula Flowers has declared the Senate version of health care reform is not liberal enough for her taste. With her statement yesterday that the Senate “Opt-Out” provision for states is a “cop-out,” she made it clear that she will support Nancy Pelosi’s government takeover of our health care system, slash benefits to seniors, increase taxes and place the government between Tennesseans and our doctors. In a struggling economy, our small businesses cannot afford the burden of additional federal mandates that will result from the Obama/Pelosi plan.
This is the second statement in as many days that directly addresses Paula Flowers, indicating that Smith sees the two of them as likely nominees in next year's general election. Of course, with ten months to go until the primary, we'll certainly see more back-and-forth among the GOP candidates as well.
Joe Lance
GrundyGreen on Oct. 29, 2009
have released a study pointing out that the Bush tax cuts cost twice as much as health care reform. The tax legislation enacted under President George W. Bush from 2001 through 2006 will cost $2.48
trillion over the 2001-2010 period. In 2010, when all the Bush tax cuts are finally phased in, a staggering 52.5 percent of the benefits will go to the richest 5 percent of taxpayers. Tax cuts Robin supports.
Personally I prefer a simple solution. Let those of us who want to buy into medicare regardless of age. Best of all this can be done via budget reconciliation.
Chris R on Oct. 29, 2009
The American people have given their voice and the majority do want a public option.