Paul Broun RSS Articles

Dr. Broun Supports a “House Call on Washington”

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul C. Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today announced his support and participation in a national House Call on Washington this Thursday, November 5th, at noon. The event, which is scheduled to take place on the U.S. Capitol steps, will be attended by conservative members of Congress, grassroots activists, and American citizens from all across the country. Many constituents are also expected to call and/or visit their senators’ and representatives’ district and Washington, D.C. offices at noon on that day.

“I applaud the efforts of both the Republican Study Committee and many concerned citizens at the grassroots level for their hard work to stop this massive government takeover of our health care system. As a physician, I know that the doctor-patient relationship definitely does not need a bureaucrat in the middle.

“What disturbs me, and millions of Americans, the most about the 2,000 page bill that House Democrats introduced last week is that it will destroy the quality of health care in America and drastically grow the size of the federal government, all at the cost of more than a trillion dollars. It will markedly increase the federal debt, and it will steal our children and grandchildren’s future. For my part, I have constantly called for a common sense approach to health care reform that includes open debate and a bipartisan bill that’s written out in the sunshine. But Democrat leaders have rejected this approach.

“Many of these common sense reforms are found in my recently introduced Patient OPTION Act, H.R. 3889, which would offer transparency in health care pricing; make it easier for Americans to transport their health care across state lines, or from job to job; and allow Americans to keep their current coverage if they like it, all ideas with wide bi-partisan support,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

Pelosi Presents a Partisan Public Option

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

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.

Broun Brings “Congress on the Square” to Ten Local Communities

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representative Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today announced that he will host “Congress on the Square” in ten local communities. “Congress on the Square” is a series of events where Dr. Broun sets up mobile offices in towns where he does not have a district office. Folks are invited to drop by any one of the ten mobile offices and speak to congressional staff members about any federal concern.

Dr. Broun’s Washington, D.C. voting schedule will not allow him to be present at these events. However, he will have two members of his team at each location, providing information about health care reform and assistance to residents who are seeking help on federal issues, such as obtaining a passport or securing benefits through Social Security or Veterans Affairs. “Congress on the Square” is free and open to the public. For more information about “Congress on the Square”, constituents may call one of Dr. Broun’s three district offices in Toccoa at (706) 886-1008, Athens at (706) 549-9588, or Augusta at (706) 447-3857.

Carnesville

Monday, November 2nd - 9:00 AM – Noon
Carnesville City Hall
919 Hull Avenue

Cornelia

Monday, November 2nd - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cornelia City Hall
181 Larkin Street Cornelia Hall

Young Harris

Tuesday, November 3rd - 9:00 AM – Noon
Young Harris City Hall
5187 Maple Street

Mountain City

Tuesday, November 3rd - 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Mountain City Town Hall
102 Dotson Street

Elberton

Wednesday, November 4th - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Elberton Civic Center
148 College Avenue

Homer

Wednesday, November 4th – 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Banks County Chamber of Commerce (Historic Courthouse)
144 Yonah-Homer Road

Hartwell

Thursday, November 5th - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Hart County Chamber of Commerce
31 East Howell

Thomson

Friday, November 6th - 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thomson Depot
111 Railroad Street

Lexington

Friday, November 6th - 9:00 AM – Noon
Oglethorpe County Commissioners Office
341 West Main Street

Eatonton

Friday, November 6th - 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Hut (behind the swimming pool)
400A West Marion Street

Dr. Broun Introduces the Patient OPTION BILL

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today introduced his comprehensive health care plan, H.R. 3889, appropriately titled the OPTION (Offering Patients True and Individualized Options Now) Act. House Republicans have now introduced over 40 health care reform alternatives to the one-size-fits-all health care experiment pushed by the White House and Congressional leaders. The OPTION Act is the only true free-market reform alternative. Dr. Broun’s Patient OPTION Act will protect the health care elements that thrive and transform health care financing failures.

“When it comes to health care plans, one size certainly doesn’t fit all. People need options, so instead of talking about public options, why aren’t we talking about patient options? As an alternative to the government-run options, I have offered today a comprehensive plan to protect the health care elements that currently work and fundamentally reform the health care financing failures.

“My OPTION Act will help break down the barriers that small businesses face when trying to provide their employees with the very best coverage. My bill will allow Americans to keep their current coverage if they like it and make it easier for them to transport it across state lines or from job to job.

“As we work to transform the failures and find measurable ways to make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans, bipartisanship is essential. An issue that impacts every American is too important to rush through or to come down to a party line vote. I hope the Administration will accept more of our invitations to hear our proposals, and I look forward to seeing consumer-based Republican ideas finally added to the health care plan,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

The section by section can be viewed here. Dr. Broun’s OPTION Act will:

1) Make the purchase of health care insurance more affordable to more people;

2) Make all health care related expenses tax deductible for all individuals;

3) Significantly expand health savings accounts contributions and eligibility;

4) Repeal and reform the barriers that currently exist for physicians to donate charity and pro bono care;

5) Reform Medicare from being a government administered health care program to a market-based voucher system;

6) Allow for individuals to keep their health insurance if they choose once they leave their jobs;

7) Expand pooling options to allow any qualified entity to create an insurance plan for members;

8) Enable individuals to shop across state lines for health insurance;

9) Allow transparency into health care pricing; and

10) Review and reform current EMTALA regulations.

House Expected to Pass Bipartisan Legislation to Ease Unnecessary Regulations on Small Businesses

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The House of Representatives is expected to pass bipartisan legislation this evening, introduced by Reps. John Adler (D-NJ), Paul Broun (R-GA), and Michael Simpson (R-ID) to help protect small businesses from overreaching federal regulations. The bill will exempt certain small businesses from the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) burdensome Red Flags Regulation, which would force them to develop and implement an unnecessary identity theft program.

“During these tough economic times, Congress should be assisting small businesses and health care providers instead of tying their hands with more costly bureaucratic red tape,” said Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. “I want to thank Congressmen John Adler and Mike Simpson for working in a quick and bipartisan manner before the November 1st deadline to help small businesses avoid the burdensome red flag compliance rule at a time when they are trying to stay financially afloat.”

This bipartisan legislation amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to provide for an exclusion from Red Flag Guidelines for health care practices and law and accounting firms with 20 or fewer employees. In addition, it would create a system where the FTC has some flexibility to waive implementation of the regulations for other industries.

“Small businesses are the backbone of New Jersey’s economy,” said Congressman Adler, a member of the House Financial Services committee. “During these tough economic times, the federal government should not be placing new burdensome regulations on these hard-working entrepreneurs. I am committed to helping small businesses thrive.”

“It is obvious that physicians and dentists are not creditors, and they should not be forced to spend hundreds of dollars to comply with this needless regulation. They don’t require full payment at the time of service because they first bill the insurance company, then they bill the patient the remainder of the bill. This system should not be treated the same as a loan with a financial institution,” said Congressman Simpson. “Health care is expensive enough; we don’t need to create needless rules to increase costs even more.”

Background:

The Federal Trade Commission went beyond the intent of Congress by considering non-financial services-related industries to be “creditors” under the FAIR and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003. Their ruling would force thousands of small businesses to comply with burdensome, expensive regulations by forcing them to develop and implement an identity theft program.

The bipartisan Adler/Simpson/Broun bill will exempt certain health care practices and law and accounting firms from the FTC’s red flag guidelines. In addition, it would create a system where the FTC has some flexibility to waive implementation of the regulations for other industries. The House is expected to pass the bill tonight. If a bill to exempt small businesses is not signed into law, the regulation will go into effect on November 1.

Earlier today, Congressman Broun spoke on the House Floor in support of the legislation. His remarks can be viewed here.

Following Another E-VERIFY Extension, Broun Introduces the IMPROVES E-VERIFY Act

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As another extension for the E-Verify program was needed just last week, Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) announced the introduction of the IMPROVES (Improving Methods to Promote Regular Occurrences of the Verification of Employability Status) E-Verify Act of 2009. The IMPROVES Act makes several needed improvements to the E-Verify program. There is no better time to strengthen the electronic employment verification system and quickly pass it into law.

“Illegal immigration continues to threaten our homeland security and economic security. Since the last several sessions of Congress failed to come to a consensus and implement a comprehensive immigration plan, we should at least take advantage of incremental reforms with proven success. Such needed reforms include finally securing our nation’s borders and improving the electronic employment verification system.

“Just last week, the E-VERIFY program needed yet another extension to remain effective. There is no better time to strengthen employment verification and finally make it permanent. In addition to making the E-VERIFY program permanent, my IMPROVES Act also makes several needed improvements to the program. Improvements like permitting the prescreening of prospective employees to let businesses confirm an individual’s work eligibility before beginning to pay or train an individual. It also allows an employer to screen current employees and provides immunity to employers who legally use the program. This will make the program more attractive by ensuring that American businesses that are using this free and voluntary program are not held liable,” said Congressman Broun.

Improvements to E-Verify in the IMPROVES Act (H.R. 3676) include:

· Makes the program permanent.

· Allows the pre-screening of prospective employees.

· Allows the screening of current employees.

· Provides immunity to employers who legally use the program.

· Denies protection for businesses that knowingly use this program fraudulently.

· Changes the Spanish language mandate.

The E-Verify (formerly known as the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration. The system allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. The Basic Pilot program began in November 1997 and has been extended several times.

Application Deadline Approaching for Service Academy Nominations

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul Broun, MD (GA-10) reminds students that the deadline is approaching for those seeking an appointment to a United States Service Academy to turn in their applications for nomination. Service Academy Nomination Applications must be completed and submitted to Congressman Broun’s office no later than October 16. Each year, Dr. Broun has the privilege of nominating outstanding young men and women to four of our nation’s service academies: the United States Air Force (USAFA), Naval (USNA), Military (USMA), and Merchant Marine (USMMA) Academies. The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military for a minimum of five years upon graduation.

Students may obtain the Service Academy Nomination Application online at www.broun.house.gov/constituentservices or by contacting Academy Director Reagan Williams in the Evans District Office at (706) 447-3857. Applicants who are considered competitive will be asked to attend an Academy Selection Board interview later this year. Dr. Broun’s Academy Selection Board includes members of the community who are either service academy graduates themselves or have prior military experience.

Four of Dr. Broun’s academy nominees received service academy appointments this past year. Charlie Johnson, Jr. of Martinez and Raymond Gibbs of Evans are attending the United States Naval Academy; Marcus Tebbs of Augusta is attending the United States Merchant Marine Academy; and Shelley Cave of Bishop is attending the US Air Force Academy. Photos are available upon request.

Broun Introduces the RELIEF Act on American Energy Freedom Day

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10), member of the Natural Resources Committee, celebrated American Energy Freedom Day by introducing the Removing Excess Litigation Involving Energy on Federal Lands (RELIEF) Act. This bill will help cut red tape and curtail frivolous lawsuits that are designed to stop American energy exploration. While ensuring people a day in court, the RELIEF Act expedites judicial review by imposing a 60-day deadline on legal challenges, requires that the loser pays in most legal proceedings, and prevents forum shopping by requiring cases to be filed in the District Court for the District of Columbia.

“Today marks the one year anniversary of the expiration of the congressional moratoria on offshore and oil shale drilling. Unfortunately, it’s a year later, and we still haven’t made significant progress with domestic energy sources and continue to find ourselves just as reliant on foreign energy. The outer continental shelf contains the equivalent of nearly 130 years worth of imports from Saudi Arabia – yet America’s lawmakers irresponsibly refuse to open it up for exploration.

“In addition to congressional inaction, excess litigation is also impeding energy exploration. It’s crucial that we streamline the legal process for the significant number of legal challenges from environmental groups. The current process is in disarray and ultimately prevents American energy sources from reaching the American people,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

The Relief Act addresses: legal fees, exclusive jurisdiction, claims deadlines, resolution deadlines, and Supreme Court appeals. The bill number is H.R. 3694.

Congressman Broun Applauds Cooperative Efforts of Disaster Relief Response Teams

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today released the following statement regarding the timely response to damaged areas in Stephens County after recent severe storms and flooding:

“I applaud the excellent job of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Stephens County government, and many other local community members and nonprofit organizations who quickly came together in response to last week’s destructive storms.

“Through the mobile Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), headquartered at the Stephens County Recreation and Senior Center, my office has been able to assist flood victims every day this week by helping folks locate temporary housing, answering questions, and going out with county officials to survey the extent of the damages to private property and infrastructure in Toccoa-Stephens County. Dicks Hill Parkway, or Old Highway 123, is 100% eligible for federal aid, and GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith assures me that repairing the road is a top priority. I am pleased by the cooperation of the federal, state, and local officials as well as the teamwork displayed by local residents who have stepped in to help their fellow citizens through the steps of recovery,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

Athens Academy Honored as President’s Challenge State Champion School

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Congressman Paul Broun, M.D. (GA-10) today proudly announced that Athens Academy has been named a “PCPFS State Champion” by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). The PCPFS State Champion award is presented annually to as many as three schools in each state with the highest number of students scoring at or above the 85th percentile on the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test.

“As a State Champion school, Athens Academy serves as a role model for other schools in Georgia and across our nation. I applaud Athens Academy for its dedication to helping students not only improve their physical fitness, but enhance the skills that will help students be active throughout their lives,” said Congressman Paul Broun.

Schools designated as a “PCPFS State Champion” receive a distinctive award certificate as well as statewide and national recognition for its physical fitness achievement. Students who help their school earn this designation by scoring at or above the 85th percentile in all five components of the President’s Challenge receive an embroidered State Champion emblem and a certificate. 48.13% of Athens Academy’s student body are Presidential Award Winners.

The five assessments of the President’s Challenge Physical Fitness Test measure four components of physical fitness: a one-mile run/walk for heart and lung endurance; curl-ups for abdominal strength and endurance; a “sit and reach” stretch for muscular flexibility; pull-ups for upper body strength and endurance; and a shuttle run for agility. Instructors are encouraged to design units so children can gradually improve their physical fitness levels to meet those outlined by the President’s Challenge program.

Athens Academy is one of two Georgia schools to receive this distinction. Allatoona Elementary in Acworth, Georgia is also a state champion winning school. Started in 1966, the President’s Challenge recognizes people of all ages and abilities through a variety of programs. Learn more at www.presidentschallenge.org. For questions about this program, please contact Jeff McClaine, Associate Director of the President’s Challenge at (812) 855-8972 or jmcclain@indiana.edu.