Blog: Rokita Report 5-2-14

Statement

Rokita Readings

A clickable offering of books and articles that I've read recently and highly recommend, as we strive together to "Keep the Republic."

Featured in this week's Rokita Readings is a unique selection. A doctor friend of mine in Indiana forwarded me a letter from one of his colleagues in Maine. The letter was addressed to his colleague's Senator, Angus King, of Maine. Normally, this space is reserved for a thought-provoking article or book, but this letter meets that standard.

This is the real-world impact of ObamaCare and government run health care on the medical profession. The doctor-patient relationship is the most important element in our health care system and it is now gravely threatened by this insidious law.

Poverty Reforms are About Effectively Using Taxpayer Money - House Budget Hearing on the War on Poverty

This week, the House Budget Committee held a hearing titled "A Progress Report on the War on Poverty: Lessons from the Front Line." The hearing focused on the results of government programs to combat poverty, and the successful efforts of community leaders and charities are having in the War on Poverty.

My exchange with the witnesses focused on lifting Americans out of poverty--giving a hand up instead of a hand out--focused on empowerment and measuring the bad results of government programs. I pointed out the continued rise in spending on health care, particularly Medicaid, as well as food and nutrition programs, and education. While spending has skyrocketed in recent years, outcomes have not improved, and in many ways gotten worse.

For more information on the hearing, or to watch the entire webcast, visit the Budget Committee website.

Earlier this month, the House passed a budget, which I wrote with my Budget Committee colleagues, that addresses these concerns and focuses on empowering people to build better lives for themselves, as opposed to building a bigger government. Learn more about these solutions here.

Fighting VA Bureaucracy, Supporting our Veterans

On Wednesday, the House passed the funding bill for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Military Construction and Related Agencies for FY2015.

Veterans ought to expect timely and effective care. Reports of backlogs at VA medical facilities over the last few years are unacceptable. This bill increases congressional oversight of the VA to bolster accountability, and it also targets funding to address other areas of concern in veterans' health care including mental health services, homeless veterans programs, and rural health initiatives.

In addition to fulfilling our promises to our veterans, this bill increases support for our active-duty troops and their families by prioritizing funding for military facilities and infrastructure.

Thank you for your continued interest in Congress and for supporting my efforts in Washington. Take care.

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