Health Care

Floor Speech

Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, the American people elect us to serve as innovators and problem solvers. I am an engineer; I see a problem, and I come up with a solution. The Democratic Party is a party of solutions, especially when it comes to health insurance reform.

So I ask you today, Mr. Speaker, where are the Republican solutions? One hundred and thirty-three days ago, my friends from the Republican side of the aisle said they were going to have a comprehensive plan. Where is that plan, and just what are those solutions?

Democrats have already pledged to make the merged health reform bill public for 72 hours before it is considered on the floor. Will Republicans promise to do the same?

Given the status quo of health insurance coverage in the United States, it appears as if Republicans want to continue to deny coverage for preexisting conditions, force families into bankruptcy because of health care costs, stifle the growth of business, and continue to play politics as usual by defending insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Then they should also be happy to be labeled the party of ``no.''

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