Issue Position: Health Care

Issue Position

As a physician who has cared for patients for over 35 years, I have seen firsthand the critical impact health care has on the daily lives of Americans. That's why I supported giving states more control over health care, to be able to make physical and mental health care decisions based on local needs. I supported bipartisan legislation to improve health care accessibility and affordability, and provide more federal funding, particularly for our children and elderly.

As the only physician in Congress who has been a recipient of NIH medical research grants, I understand how important it is to fund breakthrough discoveries that can ease the pain and suffering of millions of Americans. As an example, in the last 4 years that I have served on the Appropriations Committee, I have championed the quadrupling of research funds to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease to over $2 billion a year now.

I also championed bipartisan legislation for medical marijuana research, to further explore possibilities for easing suffering and pain of loved ones.

I supported common sense reform measures, like increasing competition between insurance companies by allowing competition across state lines, tax deductibility of 100% of medical costs, expanding health insurance savings accounts, and other measures that allow you to be in control of your health care decisions.

I understand the need for our families to have top quality care. For example, as an obstetric anesthesiologist, I have seen the cesarean section rate rise dramatically from my days in residency. In addition, women have seen a dramatic increase to the number of experienced OB/GYN doctors who no longer practice obstetrics. Those that do still practice obstetrics tend to practice in large group settings -- which means it's unlikely women will know which doctor will actually deliver their child. As a result, they no longer develop that important personal relationship with their doctor. This is all a result of the dramatic increases in medical malpractice rates. Trial lawyers pursuing frivolous lawsuits are driving up health care costs for everyone, and in the process causing women to get a lower quality of health care. Tort reform is a necessary component to meaningful health care improvement efforts. A number of tort reform measures have passed out of the House with my full support.

There are many health care actions that Congress must undertake, and I know that although our system is still not perfect, the United States still has the best health care in the world. Let's keep it that way, and work to improve it even more.

Source