Williams responds to POTUS’ request
Recently, President Obama said during a speech on his healthcare law that "If you've got good ideas, bring them to me…[if] you still think this law is a bad idea then you've got to tell us specifically what you'd do differently to cut costs, cover more people, make insurance more secure." Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) issued the following statement in response to the President's request.
"There is no denying that our healthcare system in America isn't working and needs serious reforms. Obamacare has only furthered the problems by mandating expensive plans for the uninsured and eliminating plans for millions of insured Americans. A system that favors mandates over choice, government over the individual, and profit over quality is a system doomed to fail.
"Big government cannot accommodate the needs and desires of the individual. You needn't look further than other government programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security to realize that increasing federal bureaucracy is bankrupting our nation, leaving the bill for future generations.
"The President asked for suggestions. I've got solutions. First, the private sector needs to be given more control of healthcare. Let the market dictate prices and services.
"Second, we need to make healthcare portable, allowing individuals – not their employer, and not the federal government – to own their insurance. Americans should be allowed to buy insurance from any provider, nationwide and across state lines. Allowing consumers to choose will create more competition. As a result, premiums would go down and services go up.
"Third, healthcare costs must be tax-deductible. Whether Americans buy insurance independently or through an employer, the tax code should treat everyone equally and fairly.
"Last but not least, there must be provisions to protect most vulnerable. We must ensure there will be no federal funding of abortion, and safeguards must be put in place to extend coverage for those with pre-existing conditions.
"House Republicans have introduced more than 200 bills with these and other solutions since before Obamacare was rushed through the House without one single Republican vote. President Obama has heard these solutions but denies their existence. That's why I sent a letter to the White House in hopes that the President will work with the majority of Americans who disapprove of his healthcare law. We can make health insurance more affordable, more accessible, and more available, but Obamacare is not the answer."
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