Statement From Congressman John Shadegg Regarding President Clinton's Health Care Proposals

"In a tragic reversal of the theme sounded by John F. Kennedy, President Clinton's boyhood hero, Bill Clinton tonight proposed, yet again, a dramatic expansion of the federal government. In essence, his speech reversed John F. Kennedy's famous 1961 challenge to; 'Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.' The President's speech sounded the opposite theme; 'Ask not what you can do for your country, but what your country can do for you.'"

"For the past year and a half I have committed myself to finding solutions to the problems with health care in America. I have introduced three bills which offer common sense solutions to the most pressing health care issues -- choice, access and accountability. I am pleased that President Clinton has put these health care problems at the fore-front of his agenda. However, the President's proposals, which would dramatically expand the federal government's role in health care, are wrong."

Expanding the Children Health Insurance Program (CHIP) To Parents

"Sadly, the president's proposal to expand enrollment into CHIP would do nothing but force individuals into a government run program. Much like our failed federal welfare system, this expansion of CHIP to the parents of uninsured children will continue to trap needy individuals in a government bureaucracy. Remarkably this health care trap will cost the tax payers 76 billion dollars and provide coverage for only 4 million people over the next ten years."

Tax Credit For Medicare Buy-In

"Giving a tax credit to buy into Medicare illustrates how Clinton is taking health care in the wrong direction. Why not give consumers a tax credit to purchase a health plan that fits their needs and priorities? Why does the president want to limit our nation seniors to Medicare -- a program which in its current state is so threatened that the president proposes spending $400 billion to keep it solvent for just the next ten years."

~more~

Tax Credit For COBRA Buy-In

"Once again the president uses the guise of a tax credit to get Americans to put their health insurance into the hands of the federal government. Instead of allowing individuals to own their own health plan, Clinton would rather expand another government program. If we make health insurance personal and portable, there will be no need COBRA."

Enact A So-Called Patients' Bill Of Rights

"Congress must pass HMO reform legislation this year. Americans deserve accountability. HMOs should not be able to injure people and escape the consequences of their conduct. However, we must not allow trial lawyers take control of the health care system. Congress must find a middle ground between the president's desire for unlimited lawsuits and absolute immunity for HMOs."

"This State of the Union Address highlighted the incremental ways President Clinton is working to achieve his long-time goal of a government run health care system. The president wants Americans to surrender personal freedoms -- stripping them of choice and control -- in order to achieve his goals of government control. Americans want choice, access and accountability, not costly government-knows-best health care."

###