Family Security Matters » Publications » Update from Washington: Healthcare, Sotomayor and More

Family Security Matters » Publications » Update from Washington: Healthcare, Sotomayor and More

It’s been a busy first few months in office for the Obama Administration. First, President Obama took over the banking system, then he bought you a car company. All said and done, in the 144 days since President Obama took office, he and Congressional Democrats are already on the way to meeting their goal of doubling the debt in five years and tripling it over the next decade. But they aren’t done yet.



Now Democrats want to get in the health insurance business. President Obama, Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy, and Nancy Pelosi have put a massive reform proposal on the fast track that will dramatically overhaul our health care system and change the way you receive treatment forever. And they’re doing it because they know that the more people know about it, the less they will want it. The Kennedy plan would take coverage away from millions of Americans and force them onto the government plan. For those of you lucky enough to keep your private plan, you will be rewarded with higher premiums. The government plan would be modeled on Medicare, which is on a crash course with bankruptcy. It would lead to rationing. It would mandate participation, imposing taxes on those that choose not to participate in a Washington-regulated plan. As bad as this all is, it gets worse. They have no idea how they are going to pay for the new spending, which of course means that Democrats will be raising your taxes or adding to the debt.

My question is, what’s the rush? I and many of my Republican colleagues are increasingly concerned by the way Democrats are trying to hammer through this immense Washington takeover of our health care system, with little debate, scrutiny or presentation of alternative ideas or solutions. This issue affects every single American and we need to take the time to listen to the patients, providers, families and small businesses who will be significantly impacted by whatever plan Congress puts forth. We owe it to the American people to take the time to get it right instead of hastily crafting a bad bill. The least we could do is engage all stakeholders and make sure we choose the right reforms. American patients need to see what the Democrat’s plans look like and they should have the right to share their thoughts about it.

Health care spending already accounts for 17 percent of our gross domestic product, and only in Washington do people buy the notion that we need to spend more money in order to save money. On my recent health care outreach tour across Texas, I heard again and again that more Washington interference and control of our health care system will not make care more affordable or accessible. Instead, the Texans I met with expressed their concerns that many of the proposals Congress is considering will affect their ability to access quality and affordable care and will take away their individual choice.

This week, thousands of hard working, dedicated, philanthropic small business owners received horrible news. These small business owners, most if not all profitable, were forced by the federal government to close their doors. The closure of many General Motors and Chrysler auto dealerships is extremely unjust to the many hard-working dealers in Texas that have been so intricately involved in their communities. These forced closures leave a void in the communities they proudly served and beg the question: If the government can do it to car dealers why can’t they do it to you?

Last week I met with Judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Obama’s nominee to the United States Supreme Court, in my Washington office. During our conversation, I assured her that the confirmation process will be fair and dignified, a courtesy that has not always been shown to past Republican nominees. I have significant questions with some of Judge Sotomayor’s court rulings and statements, and I intend to ask her about those thoroughly during her confirmation hearing, which is scheduled for the third week in July.

Hurricane season began on June 1st, and I know many Texans are still recovering from the destructive storms that devastated Texas last year. I want all Texans to be informed and prepared for hurricanes this season to best protect themselves and their property. More information is available on my website, or www.disasterassistance.gov. I will continue working closely with the Governor, local judges and mayors, and other first responders to ensure Texas has the necessary support and resources to deal with any hurricanes this year.

For more information on these and other topics, go directly to my Web site. I also welcome the opportunity to connect through Facebook, where I share updates, articles and videos related to my work in the Senate on a regular basis. To view floor speeches, interviews and other video messages from me, please visit my YouTube Channel. To receive additional updates, please select the issues that interest you listed on the right. It’s an honor to serve you in the United States Senate.

Sincerely,

Sen. John Cornyn