This past week the House resumed its work after a much-needed pause to reflect on the tragedy in Arizona. As scheduled, the House considered legislation to repeal the onerous health care overhaul law enacted last year. I voted for the repeal in order to continue debate on how to improve our health care system. There is no doubt that America’s health care system is in need of fundamental reform. By acting with this legislation, we can move the debate forward on how to pursue further changes to improve accessibility, lower costs, and ensure that the care received is high quality. Now that the bill has passed the House, we begin with a clean slate to author, consider and debate legislation that will meet these goals and bring real reform to the health care system.
During the health care debate of last Congress, I had numerous conversations with you, the constituents of America’s First District, and we have continued to discuss the issue even after the bill became law. I have met with health care providers and a variety of other individuals directly involved in this issue. My Health Care Advisory Council, which includes over 120 folks from across the district that deal with health care issues on a daily basis, held meetings providing their viewpoints to me as well. Through this feedback, I am committed to finding solutions that achieve real health care reform, including:
• Ensuring coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
• Allowing dependents under the age of 26 to stay on their parents’ insurance.
• Protecting the patient-doctor relationship and improving the delivery of health care.
• Allowing those who like their coverage to keep it.
• Eliminating the individual mandate: You shouldn’t be forced to buy insurance or pay a penalty if you
don’t.
• Allowing the sale of insurance across state lines.
• Enacting meaningful tort reform.
• Protecting job-creators (small businesses) from burdensome fees and regulations.
The 112th Congress has only begun. Since that time, I have already cosponsored several bills that set a new direction for health care reform, including legislation that would repeal the small business IRS reporting requirement, allow a deduction for health insurance and prescription drug expenses, and authorize the sale of insurance across state lines.
As we continue to debate this critical issue, I would love to hear your thoughts, experiences and questions on health care. Please continue to share your thoughts with me by email on my website, www.wittman.house.gov, or by phone at 202-225-4261.
