Weekly Report - November, 23 2013

Statement

As you probably know by now, the House has passed a bipartisan bill to try to fix the "if you like yourhealthcare, you can keep it" problem. It's not a perfect solution. This bill will only buy another year for people who like their current coverage, but it's better than the current situation. As you've probably heard, in the state of California alone, more than a million people have been notified that their health insurance is being cancelled.

As has been amply reported, the President said repeatedly (some 23 times between 2008 and 2010), and I quote, "If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor. Period. If you like your health care plan,your will be able to keep your health care plan. Period. No one will take it away. No matter what."

Where I come from, your word means something. It means everything. It goes without saying that on a lot of different levels, I think the President's healthcare law is an enormous mistake. But separate and apart from that, I think the federal government has a responsibility to follow through on promises made to the American people.

The President's apology to the American people last Thursday was long overdue. But actions speak louder than words. And when the President announces that he wants to change the policy and then turns around and threatens to veto a legislative fix offered by the House, I think we have a serious problem. We also have a serious problem with this seemingly endless string of executive orders either waiving, ignoring, or changing parts of the law. This is way beyond what he has the authority to do. Congress has the authority and the responsibility to make and fix laws. The Constitution doesn't give the President the ability to rewrite laws as he sees fit. The bill that the House passed last Friday was supported by 39 Democrats. It's not a crazy partisan bill. It's a partial solution to the problem that the President created when he told the American people (and continued telling them even after the bill was signed into law) that they could keep their insurance if they liked it. He gave them his word.

I'm not sure how all of this is going to shake out, but it's clear that this is just the beginning. Each and every day, I'm hearing from individuals who are experiencing changes to their coverage and the cost for that coverage. It is our responsibility to continue trying to work together to protect people from undue and unintended harm. I sincerely hope that the President will join us in that effort. Words alone aren't enough anymore.

That's all from Washington for now. I hope you all have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. And if there is anything I can do to be of service, please let me know.

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