Carson: Agreement Reached in House Energy & Commerce Committee 'Waters Down' Health Care Bill
July 30, 2009
July 30, 2009
Contact: Justin Ohlemiller – 317.283.6516 or 317.468.1563
Washington, D.C. – Congressman André Carson issued the following statement after joining his fellow members of the Progressive Caucus on a letter sent today to House leadership addressing the negotiated health care reform agreement reached in the Energy and Commerce Committee:
"We are closer than ever before to finally transforming our current ‘disease care' system into a true health care system that cuts costs, provides real options for care, and works for all Americans across the socio-economic spectrum.
"For the first time, we've got the American Medical Association on board with health-care reform. The pharmaceutical companies have come to the table to generate tens-of-billions-of dollars in savings. And we've got the American people squarely behind a health-care overhaul, with poll after poll showing more than 2/3 of the public supporting major changes being made to our current system.
"Given the momentum behind reform, I was disappointed to see the health-care debate take a step backward yesterday in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"The agreement reached between conservative members and committee leadership waters down the original legislation that offered true, comprehensive health-care reform.
"Simply put, the changes being discussed in committee would lead to higher costs for a public health insurance plan and would do little to keep private insurance companies honest and bring down skyrocketing rates.
"This negotiated agreement calls for a reduction in subsidies for low- and middle-income families, requiring them to pay more for insurance premiums; and it would impose an unfunded mandate on states, forcing them pick up a larger tab for health care costs.
"Make no mistake—I remain very optimistic about reaching a deal that will pass the House, but this agreement points to the fact that there is still more work to be done. I look forward to joining with my fellow members, conservatives and progressives alike, to shape a bill that will deliver the true reform that so many in my district and across this great nation demand and deserve."
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