Pelosi Presents a Partisan Public Option
Snubs Patients with a Government Takeover of Health Care
Washington,
Oct 29, 2009 -
Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today responded to Speaker Pelosi’s presentation of her health care legislation that was crafted behind closed doors with other House Democrats. The legislation unveiled today fails to include elements from the 53 health care alternatives that Republicans have offered the Speaker.
“Speaker Pelosi today presented a partisan public option that snubs patients, physicians, and hardworking taxpayers. The bill that House Democrats introduced is 2,000 pages full of tax hikes, job-killing employer mandates, cuts to Medicare Advantage benefits, and skyrocketing costs.
“What’s most disturbing about this bill is the lack of input from Republicans and the American public. This bill was crafted behind closed doors, in total secrecy, away from the watchful eyes of the press and the American people. It also fails to include any of the 53 health care alternatives that Republicans have offered Speaker Pelosi.
“Last week, I introduced one of those 53 plans, the OPTION Act. While Democrats will not agree with everything in my bill, there certainly are elements on which we should be able to come to a consensus. Elements like offering transparency in health care pricing; making it easier for Americans to transport their health care across state lines, or from job to job; and allowing Americans to keep their current coverage if they like it.
“I encourage Democrats to start talking about patient options and work across the aisle with Republicans to deliver the bipartisan legislation that the American people so desperately deserve,” said Congressman Paul Broun.
Reforms offered by Republican physicians to Speaker Pelosi were discussed during yesterday’s House GOP Doctors Caucus Hearing and can be viewed here.
